Calypso bulbosa

Calypso bulbosa Common Names fairy slipper, calypso orchid Family Orchid Flower Color Pink, purple Plant Type Forb Location McCall Native Yes Weed No

The deep and moist soils that have developed under the rainier areas of coniferous forest may provide nurture for the calypso orchid or fairy slipper (Calypso bulbosa). This is the most colorful Orchid family member that grows in our region. This species grows in six different countries: Finland, Sweden, Russia, Japan, Canda and the United States.

The Calypso bulbosa got its name from the nymph Calypso in Greek mythology. Calypso is the nymph that kept Odysseus away from home for 7 years in the novel, The Odyssey.