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here's a little information regarding the PLS:
Pink Lady's Slippers information:
Habitat: North Eastern United States and Canada, mainly found in or on the edges of pine forest areas, also can be found among leaf litter in deciduous forest, but very rarely.
Soil Preference: Prefers acidic soil, however can do well in more alkaline soils, prefers moist/well drained areas.
Sun: Partial sun/shade
Growth: The plant unlike many others, has a symbiotic relationship with certain types of fungus. Without the fungus the Pink Lady's Slipper will not grow. The seed of the plant does not carry a food source within it for propagation, the seed needs the beneficial fungus to feed it, as well as to help open the casing/shell. In return as the plant grows and spreads it's roots through the ground the fungus will then be able to feed off of the plants root system which then in turn feeds the plant. The root structure of the PLS is very wide (averaging three foot diameter from base of the actual plant), it is also very shallow. Average root system depth is about 2inches.
Many people have tried, and very very very few succeed in transplanting a PLS from the wild into their gardens. The reason for this is that if the root system is broken in any point it will harm the entire plant, and it will not regenerate the following year. Also picking the PLS flowers will cause the plant to die.
It's advised that everyone enjoy the PLS from a safe distance, in order to avoid causing unneeded harm to the plants roots, and the plant itself.
I also know of a few people who place fencing around the PLS as the flowers make a tasty treat for white tailed deer.
Most states where Pink Lady's Slippers grow have them on either endangered or protected list. The reason for this is mainly because damaging the roots, or the flower of the plant can and most likely will kill it. If you do have a large area where these are growing, you could add the area to the state list of current known locations of growth. This way when they gather information about the estimated number of locations and plants they can get a better and more accurate number. Contact your State and or local Envirnmental Conservation Agency. :-)
(information has been gathered from numerous resources over the years as I have read journals and books, and articles on this ever since my grandfather first showed me a photo of one from the 50's. I've inherited his thirst for knowledge, and the family "curse" of PLS "Hunting").
I know the feeling! When I lived in Australia there was a drought so it was great when it rained! It's also thundering and lightning too, otherwise I would've just gone out in the rain!
Thanks...you could add the more panoramic photos right to this spotting.
It's raining in Florida today, too. We really need it so I'm happy!
I will take a picture of some when it stops raining and put it on Project Noah so you can see them!
Now if you click on edit, you can add the Latin name and type in your location where is says"Where did you find this".
Lucky you to have them in your back yard!!!!
Lady Slippers I heard are rare and illegal to pick! but there are a tone of them in my backyard and in my area right now.
Spotted on Jun 5, 2012
Submitted on Jun 6, 2012
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