Fairy Slipper Orchid | Native Plant Feature 04

Fairy Slipper Orchid, Calypso bulbosa by Laura Watson


Calypso bulbosa, more commonly known as the Fairy Slipper Orchid, is one of the most enchanting spring wildflowers found in British Columbia and across the Northern Hemisphere. A member of the Orchid family (Orchidaceae), this delicate plant is instantly recognisable by its vibrant magenta petals, slipper-shaped pouch, and golden beard-like fringes that adorn the lip of the flower. Despite its showy appearance, C. bulbosa is elusive, shy, sensitive, and often hidden in the quiet hush of old-growth forests. An early childhood memory of mine is being out in the woods with my sisters when we lived in a small community on Northern Vancouver Island. I recall my oldest sister pointing out the beautiful and mysterious orchid to us.

This native orchid is a dream for botanical artists. It demands close observation and gentle handling. Rarely growing in large numbers, the Fairy Slipper is a species that invites reverence, both for its beauty and its vulnerability.

Calypso bulbosa – Fairy Slipper Orchid

Common Name: Fairy Slipper Orchid

Latin Name: Calypso bulbosa

Family: Orchidaceae

Habitat: Moist, shaded coniferous forests with mossy groundcover

Bloom Time: April–June

Range: Widespread across BC, Canada, and circumboreal forests worldwide

Fairy Clipper Orchids, photo by Laura Watson

This exquisite wildflower is typically no more than 10–15 cm tall. A single purple-pink flower rises from a slender reddish stem, with a basal leaf that persists through winter before dying back in summer. The lower lip of the flower forms a slipper-like pouch with intricate yellow and white markings inside, mimicking nectar guides to attract pollinators. However, Calypso bulbosa offers no nectar; it deceives visiting bees, which eventually learn to avoid it.

The genus name Calypso refers to the sea nymph of Greek mythology, while bulbosa refers to the bulb-like corm from which the plant grows. The Fairy Slipper is highly sensitive to disturbance. It forms a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi in the soil, making it nearly impossible to transplant or cultivate. Even slight root disruption can kill the plant, which is why observation and protection in place are key.

C. bulbosa painting and nature journal page by Laura Watson

Illustration Tip: Drawing the Fairy Slipper


When sketching Calypso bulbosa, emphasise its graceful vertical structure and ornate details. The "slipper" (labellum) should be the focal point—study the pattern of white, gold, and magenta spots inside. A close-up ink dissection of the flower's parts, including the column and pouch, will make a beautiful addition to your nature journal or botanical sketchbook. Don’t forget to include its single oval leaf and corm if possible.

Video still from Fairy Slipper Orchid class in The Watercolour Garden

Ecological & Cultural Notes


Calypso bulbosa thrives in mature, undisturbed forests and often indicates healthy old-growth ecosystems.

The plant has a deceptive pollination strategy, attracting bees by mimicking rewarding flowers without offering nectar.

Indigenous groups have recognised C. bulbosa for its beauty and in some traditions used it ceremonially, but it is not a plant for harvesting due to its extreme sensitivity.

Because of habitat loss and illegal picking, the Fairy Slipper is considered sensitive or vulnerable in many parts of its range.

Sources

Want to Learn More?

Explore our Featured Native Plants Series for more native treasures of the Pacific Northwest. If you’d like to paint Calypso bulbosa, join us inside  The Watercolour Garden, where we study native flora in ink and watercolour. Get access to a full-length video class with reference materials for this delicate orchid.  Get lifetime access to all my classes with this special one-time payment offer.


Interested in a FREE Guide featuring 10 of my native plants series illustrations?

 Download my FREE Native Plants Guide Here

Happy painting,
Laura 

Laura Watson
Botanical Artist & Instructor
Founder of The Watercolour Garden
www.thewatercolourgarden.com

All illustrations in this article are my original watercolour paintings.


Location: Nanaimo, BC, Canada

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

3 Tips for Keeping a Sketchbook with Nicoline Mann

Image
Botanicals & Landscape by Nicoline Mann Hi, I’m Nicoline. I'm an artist deeply inspired by the natural world, especially animals and birds, and the fleeting beauty of small, precious moments. My sketchbook practice is an extension of my love for these connections—it’s where I explore, experiment, and savour the joys of creating without pressure. I don’t confine myself to one sketchbook or one style of book. I have several on the go at any time, each serving a unique purpose. My tools vary depending on what feels right for the page or moment. I use everything from dollar-store sketchbooks prepped with gesso to high-quality watercolour books. There’s no limit to what we can create when we let go of expectations and allow ourselves to explore freely. Sketchbook pages by Nicoline Mann Sketching My World My sketchbooks are a collection of snapshots from my life and the natural world. On my forest walks with my dog, I document the tiny flowers growing along the forest floor or the bi...
Read more

Edith Holden: The Edwardian Botanical Artist Behind "The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady"

Image
The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady , pages 103-104, photo by Laura Watson, 2024 The name Edith Holden may not have been widely recognized in her time, but today, she is celebrated as one of the most beloved Edwardian botanical artists. Her work, The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady , beautifully captures the flora and fauna of early 20th-century England, inspiring modern-day nature enthusiasts, artists, and environmentalists alike. This article delves into Holden's life, her artistic style, and the enduring legacy of her work. Early Life and Education Edith Holden was born on September 26, 1871, in Kings Norton, Birmingham, England. She grew up in a creative and supportive family, with both of her parents encouraging artistic pursuits. Holden's artistic journey began at the Birmingham School of Art, where she studied painting and illustration. Here, she developed the skills that would later define her career as a botanical artist. The late 19th and early 20th centuries we...
Read more

3 Botanical Painting Tips with Anne Butera

Image
 Garden Painting, Anne Butera Welcome to my new Artist Feature series ! In this series of blog posts, I have invited other artists to share some of their best tips with you to help you reach your watercolour goals! There are so many wonderful and talented artists to learn from. Let's get inspired together, I hope you enjoy this article by Anne Butera. Anne Butera is a self-taught artist who works primarily in watercolour but also loves challenging herself to try new things, savouring the freedom and joy she finds within the pages of her sketchbooks. She strives to seek out and celebrate life’s little joys and daily graces in her life, her writing and her art. Anne is passionate about encouraging others to embrace their creativity and discover their joy. Her art and writing have been published in multiple magazines and in the book Botanica. She writes the blog My Giant Strawberry and the Substack In an Artist’s Garden and she teaches in person and online. Anne painting in the stud...
Read more