LORI DUNN SCRATCHBOARD ART
promoting conservation through artistic efforts
Spring Awakening
8 X 10
SOLD
The Greater yellow lady slipper orchid (Cypripedium parviflorum var pubescens) is one of the most widespread of this genus in North America and is native to Ontario. There are about 58 species within this genus, many of which are heavily protected under conservation laws. Along with habitat loss, over collection of orchids has been a major factor in their decline. The different species of lady slipper orchids each have specific requirements for soil acidity, but generally prefer moist woods, bogs and swampy areas. As with most orchids, the plant grows from a thick clumping rhizome with numerous roots. The roots rely heavily on microbes in the soil making transplanting native orchids very difficult. Despite this, gardeners who prize the showy flowers will remove them from their native habitat, a practice that is now considered unethical and illegal in many cases. The plants generally bloom from May to July, and near the area where I live, one can almost be sure to see them faithfully around the time of the vernal equinox.
