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Close Up: Lady Slipper

Posted by Kyle Curry ,
North Country explorer from Blue Mountain Lake, N.Y.
April 11, 2013

This Pink Lady Slipper Orchid (aka Moccasin Flower) was found in the Spruce Forest along the Wilson Pond trail. Lady slippers like fairly acidic soil. It is one of only a handful of orchid species that grow in the Adirondacks. They are a very delicate species, and should not be picked. Although they are often found in relatively decicent sized groups, removing one can disturb the whole population.

The pink globe is very distinct among the forest floor. Besides not picking them, precautions should be made to avoid damage to them when recreating.