Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Orchidaceae

Genus:

Cypripedium

Species:

Cypripedium kentuckiense

USDA Symbol:

CYKE2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Epiphyte

Height:

80 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun,Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

yellow, cream, maroon

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers shaded woodland areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days

Notes:

Seeds require mycorrhizal fungi for germination; extremely difficult to germinate without laboratory conditions or in-situ sowing near established colonies.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI