Lady's Slipper is a flowering plant that grows wild in the North Georgia Mountains and other parts of the country. Also, known as the mocassin flower because of its similarity to a shoe or moccasin. (I don't see it, but that's what "they" say). It is actually considered endangered in Illinois and Tennesse and even illegal in some areas to remove pink Lady's Slippers. Most will not survive if removed from its
natural habitat.

Lady's Slippers grow in shady forests under pine trees, oaks, Red Maple, and Sweetgum and are a source of food for white tailed deer.  I used to have several in my own yard but I learned too late by trying to re-locate one or two, they typically will not survive if disturbed.  And my guess is, the family of deer that frequent my yard feasted on some of the others.  I have one left  that I know of and I guard it very carefully. 

When you see one of these treasures that nature offers, enjoy its beauty, but let it be since this wildflower takes many years to grow.  Collecting them may ultimately lead to its extinction since they most often will not survive when disturbed.  

 

 

 

List of North American nurseries where you can buy Lady's Slippers Orchids online - Botanyboy 

 

Donna Yates
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