Alternate name: Fairy-slipper Orchid
Family: Orchidaceae, Orchid view all from this family
Description A single mostly pink bilateral pendant flower with an inflated, slipper-like lip petal hangs at tip of an erect, reddish flower stalk that grows above 1 basal leaf.
Flowers: about 1 1/4-2" (3.1-5 cm) long; 3 sepals and 2 upper petals similar, rose-pink, narrowly lanceolate, spreading sideways or upward and also forward. Lip divided into a white, spoon-like tip with reddish-purple spots and a 2-lobed, sack-like base with reddish-purple stripes.
Leaves: 1 1/4-3" (3.1-7.5 cm) long, solitary, basal, ovate, margin wavy, shallowly plaited, tapered to a purplish stalk; it withers after plant flowers and is replaced by an overwintering leaf.
Height: 3-8" (7.5-20 cm).
Flower March-July.
Habitat Thick duff and mossy ground in cool, damp, mainly coniferous woods.
Range Across Canada and northern United States to northeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, New York, and New England.
Discussion This short perennial rises from a small tuber and is the only species in this genus found in the northern latitudes. Named for the sea nymph Calypso of Homer's Odyssey, who detained the willing Odysseus on his return from Troy; like Calypso, the plant is beautiful and prefers secluded haunts.
