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Clustered Lady's Slipper

Cypripedium fasciculatum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Clustered Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium fasciculatum)
Photo: Description by Joseph Dalton Hooker (1817—1911) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–18" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 4 more states

Pollinators

bees

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Clustered lady's slipper is a rare native orchid with distinctive pouch-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. This delicate woodland plant prefers shaded conditions and can be challenging to establish, requiring specific soil conditions and mycorrhizal relationships to thrive.

In an HOA neighborhood

Clustered Lady's Slipper takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Extremely rare and protected species
  • Can appear weedy or absent when dormant
  • Difficult to maintain and may die back unpredictably

Wildlife value

The unique flowers attract native bees and other small pollinators. As a native orchid, it provides specialized habitat value for woodland ecosystems.

Common questions

How much sun does Clustered Lady's Slipper need?
Clustered Lady's Slipper grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Clustered Lady's Slipper bloom?
Clustered Lady's Slipper blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Clustered Lady's Slipper native?
Clustered Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium fasciculatum) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 4 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Clustered Lady's Slipper attract?
Clustered Lady's Slipper draws bees.
Is Clustered Lady's Slipper HOA-friendly?
Clustered Lady's Slipper takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Clustered Lady's Slipper? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz