Fairyslipper

Calypso bulbosa

Physical Characteristics

Calypso bulbosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf from October to July, in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

N. Europe, N. America - Alaska to California, east to New York.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Bulb - raw or cooked[22, 46, 61, 105, 155]. Rather small[161]. The corms have a rich, butter-like quality[256]. They were usually boiled by the North American Indians before being eaten, though young maidens would eat them raw as they were believed to increase the size of the bust[256].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Epilepsy The bulbs have been chewed or the flowers sucked in the treatment of mild epilepsy[257].

Known Hazards

None known