Yellow Lady's Slipper
Cypripedium parviflorum
maskasiy(Cree)
One of Alberta's most spectacular native orchids — its golden pouch-like bloom earned it the Cree name 'moccasin flower.' Found in moist, shaded boreal forests. Requires specific soil fungi (mycorrhizae) to survive — wild-dug plants almost always die. A single plant can live 50+ years but takes 10–16 years from seed to first flower. Protected in Alberta — never pick or dig. If you want one, buy only from reputable nurseries that grow plants from seed via flasking.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Peace River, Foothills
Light
Shade, moist forest
Bloom Time
May–June
Soil
Rich, humusy forest floor; slightly alkaline pH; must have intact mycorrhizal fungi
Water
Consistently moist; hates summer drought
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Extraordinarily difficult outside specialized labs — requires symbiotic fungi and flasking. DO NOT dig wild plants (illegal and they will die). Source only nursery-grown seed-propagated plants.
