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The Calypso Orchid (Calypso bulbosa) is a member of the Orchid Family (Orchidaceae). It is also known as Fairy Slipper, Lady Slipper, Hider-of-the North, and Venus's Slipper. It grows on the forest floor in deep coniferous forests in the northern and western United States from Canada to Mexico. It is quite small (10 cm in height) and usually hides in deep shade among moist forest litter and moss. ("Calypso" is derived from the Greek word for concealment.) This extremely delicate orchid depends on a particular soil fungus and thus is virtually impossible to transplant. It's continued existence is endangered in many areas. It's beauty and rarity make it something to search for when hiking in the forest during late winter and early spring. Like all wildflowers, the Calypso blooms at different times in different places depending on altitude, rainfall, and temperature.
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