Pink Lady's-slipper
Cypripedium acaule
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, CT, DE, GA and 21 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Pink lady's-slipper is a rare native orchid with distinctive pink pouch-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring. This low-growing woodland plant requires specific soil conditions and mycorrhizal relationships to thrive, making it challenging to establish and maintain in typical garden settings.
In an HOA neighborhood
Pink 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 difficult to establish
- Dies back completely after blooming
- May be mistaken for weeds when not flowering
Wildlife value
Supports specialized pollinators including native bees and flies that are attracted to its unique orchid flowers.
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.
Does Pink Lady's-slipper fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.