Names and Myth

Cyripedum Venus’ slipper

 pubescens downy

parviflorum small-flowered

Natural history / Folklore

Leaves contain a poisonous substance similar to poison ivy.⁵ Roots of both species were gathered and used as a substitute for valerian.¹⁵ An infusion of the rootstock was used as a nerve tonic, a treatment for epilesely, hysteria, and alcoholic delirium tremens. ^29,41

Description

May - June Flowers vary from golden-yellow to almost white. Open yellow pouch, lateral petals often twisted. Clasping leaves on flower stalk. Wooded slopes. Mature plants from clumps with multiple layers of flowers.