How much sun does Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper need?

Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper bloom?

Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper blooms in May and June.

Where is Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper native?

Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper (Cypripedium arietinum) is native to CT, MA, ME, MI and 5 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper attract?

Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper draws bees.

Is Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper HOA-friendly?

Ram'S Head 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.

Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cypripedium arietinum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper (Cypripedium arietinum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–10" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CT, MA, ME, MI and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Ram's head lady's slipper is a rare native orchid that produces distinctive pouch-shaped flowers in May and June. This delicate woodland plant requires specific soil conditions and can be challenging to establish, making it best suited for experienced gardeners with naturalized shade gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Ram'S Head 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 uncommon appearance may seem inappropriate for maintained landscapes
Goes completely dormant leaving bare spots in summer
Very small size makes it nearly invisible in formal plantings

Wildlife value

Attracts specialized native bees that are adapted to pollinate orchid flowers. The unique flower structure requires specific pollinators for successful reproduction.

Common questions

How much sun does Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper need?: Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper bloom?: Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper blooms in May and June.
Where is Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper native?: Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper (Cypripedium arietinum) is native to CT, MA, ME, MI and 5 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper attract?: Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper draws bees.
Is Ram'S Head Lady'S Slipper HOA-friendly?: Ram'S Head 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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