Family: Orchidaceae
ram's-head, ram's-head lady's-slipper
Jeff Hapeman
Scott A. Milburn
Etymology: Cypripedium: incorrect Latinization of ancient Greek words meaning "Venus's shoe"
Plants: erect, perennial, 4"-16" tall forb; stems with thin hairs
Leaves: lower 2-3 leaves just clasping scales, the 3-5 leaves above the middle stalkless, lance-like to elliptical and often folded
Flowers: 6-parted, pouch 1/3"- 1" long, whitish with strong red veins becoming all dark red toward the bottom; petals and sepals purplish-brown to brown often with green stripes; solitary flower; blooms May-June
Habitat: wet to dry; conifer woods, often under white cedar
Conservation Status: Threatened
Plants: erect, perennial, 4"-16" tall forb; stems with thin hairs
Leaves: lower 2-3 leaves just clasping scales, the 3-5 leaves above the middle stalkless, lance-like to elliptical and often folded
Flowers: 6-parted, pouch 1/3"- 1" long, whitish with strong red veins becoming all dark red toward the bottom; petals and sepals purplish-brown to brown often with green stripes; solitary flower; blooms May-June
Habitat: wet to dry; conifer woods, often under white cedar
Conservation Status: Threatened
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10, Wetland Indicator = FACW+ WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources: Rare Species Guide; description, conservation, photos, maps, etc.
Scott A. Milburn
Janice Stiefel
Jeff Hapeman
Scott A. Milburn
Botanical Illustration
Janice Stiefel
Christopher Noll
Christopher Noll
Jeff Hapeman
Emmet J. Judziewicz