kin similar to that caused by Poison Ivy. This species commonly blooms anywhere from May to August in the mossy swamps, bogs, and mountains of Georgia, Tennessee, and Missouri (Rickett 96).C. candidumThe small White Ladys Slipper, or C. candidnum, is a slender species found in sphagnum bogs and marshy meadows, but is a rather rare species. There are three to five elliptical, pointed leaves on the erect stem, which rarely exceeds one foot in height. The flowers normally occur singly at the tip of the stem. The sepals, longer than the lip, are greenish in color and spotted with purple (House 65). The lip, striped with purple or magenta, is plump and saclike, and is about three fourths of an inch long (Hylander 68). This species flowers in June and May in restricted areas from New York to North Dakota (House 65). C. montanumThe last species is the Mountains ladys Slipper, or C. montanum. This species has a leafy stem that grows to a height of two feet or more. The long, twisted sepals, as well as the petals, vary in color from dark green to brownish-purple, while the lip is white with pink or purplish lines. This species is commonly found in Northern areas, such as Montana and Wyoming, and moves westward to Alaska, Washington, California, and Oregon (Walcott 21).Medicinal UseCurrently there is no medicinal use for any species in the family Cypripedium. However, one day research might prove this to be otherwise.ConclusionBy researching this flower, I learned more about the general characteristics of the Orchidaceae family, as well as the traits of each individual species of the genus Cypripedium. I found it interesting how they all can belong to the same genus, yet have very distinguishable characteristics. Due to this research, I feel that I am able to relate better to the Orchidaceae family and I will have a much greater appreciation for it. Works CitedHouse, Homer D. Wild Flowers. New York: Macmillan Co., 1942.Hylander, Cl...
