Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Calypso bulbosa (Linnaeus) Oakes var. americana (R. Brown ex Aiton f.) Luer
(Fairy Slipper Orchid)
Family: Orchidaceae
Status: Native
Synonyms:
Calypso americana R. Brown ex Aiton
Cytherea bulbosa of NM authors
The Calypso or Fairy Slipper Orchid is one of our most showy native orchids. It inhabits the higher mixed conifer forest around the snow line and blooms early. The bright white, purple, pink and
yellow colorations only make it highly visible from below. From above and in the shade, the darker
purple makes it harder to see.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Calypso bulbosa, photo Russ Kleinman, Mogollon Mtns., May 10, 2008
Calypso bulosa, leaf, photo Russ Kleinman, Mogollon Mtns., May 10, 2008
Calypso bulosa, lateral closeup of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Mogollon Mtns., June 10, 2010
Calypso bulosa, frontal closeup of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Mogollon Mtns., June 10, 2010
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