X. Cypripedium fasciculatum Kellogg ex S. Watson (clustered lady's slipper)

Area of Application: Klamath Mountain Province.

A. Introduction

Cypripedium fasciculatum is a rhizomatous, perennial orchid (Orchidaceae). Clustered lady's slipper and brownie slipper orchid are common names that have been applied to this species.

Cypripedium fasciculatum is considered to be associated with old-growth habitat, and is classified as a Survey and Manage Strategy 1 and 2 species for the Klamath Mountains under the FSEIS/ROD (USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management 1994a, 1994b). Cypripedium fasciculatum is also considered to be endangered and threatened throughout its range (List 1) by the Oregon Natural Heritage Program (1998), and is considered Oregon and Washington Bureau Sensitive under the OR/WA BLM Special Status Plant Policy.

B. Unique Characteristics, Biology, and Ecology

The following is a technical description of Cypripedium fasciculatum:

Stem 0.5-2 dm tall, lanate-pilose, usually with a single sheathing bract near ground level, a pair of opposite leaves at to well above mid-length, and often 1 or 2 lanceolate bracts near the inflorescence; leaves sessile, broadly elliptic to oblong-elliptic or elliptic-oval, mostly 4-8 cm broad, rounded-obtuse to slightly acute; flowers (1) 2-4 in a rather tight cluster, subtended by conspicuous greenish bracts usually as long as the densely pilose ovary; sepals lanceolate-acuminate, 12-25 mm long, greenish-brown or greenish-purple and usually purple-lined or -mottled, the lower pair fused completely or free at the tips only; petals similar to the sepals but usually somewhat broader; lip depressed-ovoid, shorter than the sepals, greenish-yellow with brownish-purple margins and often with a purplish tinge; staminodium 2.5-3 mm long, about equaling the longest lobe of the stigma (Hitchcock et al. 1969).

Cypripedium fasciculatum has an intricate life cycle that is not fully understood. As with most orchids, this species' development from seed to a reproductive individual is very slow. Cypripedium species are dependent on mycorrhizal associations for several months or years before above the ground growth even begins (Harper and White 1974). Several orchids take 13 to 16 years before they begin to flower (Harper and White 1974). Harrod (1994) found that small, nonflowering Cypripedium fasciculatum plants can be at least 12 years old.

The rhizome morphology of Cypripedium fasciculatum was investigated by Harrod and Knecht (1994). Their hypothesis is that this species produces a dormant bud during the current growing season. This bud remains inactive through the winter, then bolts in the spring to produce an aerial stem. At the same time, a new bud is initiated and developed during the photosynthetic period.

Harrod (in prep) hypothesizes that a species of fungus associated with deer and elk feces is required for seed germination. This hypothesis was developed after observing that all Cypripedium fasciculatum sites on the Leavenworth, Lake Wenatchee, and Cle Elum Ranger Districts in the Wenatchee National Forest occurred by or very near big game trails. There is also evidence that this is true with populations in many other locations throughout the west.

Cypripedium fasciculatum flowering usually occurs from April to May, with sites at lower elevations blooming earlier than sites at higher elevations. C. fasciculatum is self-compatible but not autogamous and requires a biotic vector for successful pollination (Knecht 1996). The shape of C. fasciculatum flowers and the position of the reproductive structures suggests that they have coevolved with a particular pollinator to achieve cross-fertilization (Leur 1969; Barker 1983; Harrod 1994). Although no pollinator has been determined for C. fasciculatum, Knecht (1996) suspects the pollinator may be some type of fly (Diptera sp.), as the flowers are inconspicuous and produce a musty, almost fetid odor.

Specific fungi are required for germination and establishment of new Cypripedium fasciculatum seedlings; presence of these fungi may be more ecologically important than specific site characteristics (e.g., elevation, moisture) (USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management 1994b). Cypripedium fasciculatum often grows sympatrically with C. montanum and probably shares similar biological requirements. Research done on Cypripedium fasciculatum (Harrod et al. 1996; Harrod and Knecht 1994) indicates that mid to late-successional forest communities are optimum habitat for C. fasciculatum, possibly because the required fungal symbiont(s) are present in these older communities and not in early successional communities.

The nearly microscopic seeds of C. montanum are produced in large numbers. They are usually waterproof at the time of dispersion and are carried by air or water. The seeds are dependent on mycorrhizal fungi for germination and establishment (Sheviak 1990).

C. fasciculatum likely shares the same growth patterns as other native orchids, which are regularly saprophytic when immature, spending several years in a dependent, subterranean condition before sufficient growth occurs, and stored food accrues for the production of leaves (Case 1987). It is only after this that the plant first appears above ground. Growth is then rapid, and within a season or 2, flowering commences (Curtis 1943). Mature plants appear to require mycorrhizae for proper water uptake and some nutrients (Sheviak 1990). Estimates on the length of time necessary for development of native species from seed to flowering vary considerably. Curtis (1943) calculated an approximate time scale for growth and development of some Cypripedium species of Wisconsin, determining that the length of time until first flowering varied between 8 and 16 years.

Spring growth of orchids arises from overwintering buds that were produced the preceding growing season. Unlike most other plants, however, if new spring growth is destroyed by late frost, foraging animals, or forest management activities, an orchid cannot replace the lost tissues until the following year (Sheviak 1990). Although dormant buds may be present, they will not initiate growth. The root system will remain, and a new bud may form, or a dormant bud will enlarge, but at best the plant will suffer a major setback, and it may die (Sheviak 1990). Cypripedium plants that lose their growth before midsummer will commonly appear the next year but will not bloom (Whitlow 1983). Depending on how severely depleted their energy reserves were, they may require 2 or more subsequent vegetative seasons before blooming (Case 1987; Whitlow 1983).

The historical ecosystem processes that are thought to have provided habitat for this species have been altered. The FSEIS (USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management 1994b) discusses fire suppression as, perhaps, an important factor in the decline of Cypripedium fasciculatum. Although C. montanum seems to persist in areas that have been burned (USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management 1994b), recent research on Cypripedium fasciculatum appears to contradict the belief that Cypripediums are fire dependent (Harrod et al. 1996). Their findings were that Cypripedium fasciculatum is a fire-intolerant species, and management of this species probably should not include prescribed fire. Although C. montanum and C. fasciculatum often grow sympatrically, which could indicate that their habitat requirements may be very similar, the role of fire needs to be investigated before it is reintroduced into Cypripedium fasciculatum habitat.

C. Specific Habitat Associations

Cypripedium fasciculatum occurs in a variety of habitats throughout the Cascade Range and the Klamath Mountains. Within these habitats, there is a great deal of diversity in soils, elevation, aspect, and plant communities. In California, Barker (1983) notes that the habitat of Cypripedium fasciculatum cannot be closely defined. There appears to be no restriction to parent material since populations have been found on ultrabasics, granitics, schist, limestone, and quartz-diorite. Also, Fowlie (1988) notes occurrences of the species on serpentine landslides in northwestern California. Sites are dry or damp, rocky to loamy, and elevations vary from 429-1750 m (1300-5300 ft.) (Barker 1983). Populations are found in areas with 60 to 100 percent shade, provided by numerous plant communities including mixed evergreen, mixed conifer, Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forests and pine/black oak (Pinus sp./Quercus kelloggii) forests (Barker 1983).

Kagan (1990) notes that in Oregon the species occurs primarily in older Douglas-fir (Psuedotsuga menziesii) forests on old stream terraces. The largest populations in southwestern Oregon tend to occur on moist stream terraces, but others inhabit dry rocky up-slope sites. Elevation ranges from 330-1155 m (1000-3500 ft.). Dominant trees include western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), white fir (Abies concolor), white oak (Quercus garryana), bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), and tan oak (Lithocarpus densiflorus). Understory associates include sword fern (Polystichum munitum), Oregon grape (Berberis nervosa), dogwood (Cornus nuttallii), and hazel (Corylus cornuta).

In southwestern Oregon, Cypripedium fasciculatum occurs in 2 principal types of habitat: old-growth Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forest on low to moderate elevation steam terraces, and Douglas-fir/madrone (Pseudotsuga menziesii/Arbutus menziesii) forests (Kagan 1990). In the majority of plant communities in which Cypripedium fasciculatum has been reported on the Medford District BLM, Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is the dominant species in the canopy, being the highest in frequency and cover. Within these habitats, there is a variety of plant associations in which Cypripedium fasciculatum is found. These plant associations most often include variations of the Douglas-fir/dwarf Oregon grape (Pseudotsuga menziesii/Berberis nervosa), Douglas-fir/poison oak (Pseudotsuga menziesii/Rhus diversiloba), and tanoak/dwarf Oregon grape (Lithocarpus densiflorus/Berberis nervosa) associations (Seevers and Lang 1998).

In Washington, plant communities and habitats are different than those in Oregon and California. Harrod (1993) found that most populations on the Wenatchee NF occur in the grand fir (Abies grandis) series, although populations can be found in the subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) series. On 9 sites that were sampled, 60 percent of all trees were 4 inches in diameter or less and 93 percent were 12 inches or less (Harrod 1993). Based on tree ring data, these 12-inch diameter trees are approximately 100 years old, while trees 4-6 inches in diameter are about 80 years old. Tree densities were 212 and 285 trees per acre for grand fir (Abies grandis) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), respectively. Tree age, size class, and density suggest a long period of fire suppression. Also, average canopy closure was 62 percent, average slope was 30 percent, aspects were northerly, and elevation varied from 792-1420 meters (2400- 4300 feet). Dominant understory associates include ocean spray (Holodiscus discolor), Oregon grape (Berberis nervosa), pinegrass (Calamagrostis rubescens), vine maple (Acer circinatum), kinnikinnik (Arctostaphylos nevadensis), and dwarf huckleberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) (Harrod 1993).

Cypripedium fasciculatum prefers filtered to shady areas and is rarely found growing in the open. On the Klamath National Forest, it is most often found in areas with 60 to 100 percent shade (Barker 1983). On the Wenatchee National Forest, the average canopy closure is 62 percent. This species generally grows in moist areas but is often found in dry sites as well.

A recent study (Knecht 1996) in the Cascades of Oregon and Washington found that while some regional trends are apparent, there are no obvious range-wide physical characteristics. The study found that populations are located in a wide variety of site conditions. Consistent factors found in all plots on the east and west side of the Cascades were the presence of a Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) overstory greater than 70 years, canopy cover greater than 60 percent, and soil pH values between 5.7 and 6.5.

Although soil and topography have a definite influence upon terrestrial (orchid) species, there is little doubt that temperature and moisture are the most essential factors that control the distribution and survival of all orchids (Correll 1978).

A distinct plant community for Cypripedium fasciculatum cannot be determined. It is likely that the habitats this species occupies have similar characteristics, such as shading and moisture. Such characteristics may be important for one or more stages within the species' life history (Harrod 1994).

D. Range of Cypripedium fasciculatum

1. Known Range

Cypripedium fasciculatum is found within a broad distribution in the western United States. It occurs from Washington to California and in scattered locations in Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. Brownell and Catling (1987) describe 6 major areas this species inhabits: 1) Sierra Nevada of California; 2) Coast Range and Cascade Range along the Oregon-California border (Siskiyou Mountains); 3) Santa Cruz Mountains on the central coast of California; 4) Cascade Range in Washington; 5) Rocky Mountains of northern Idaho (Dalene, Selkirk, and Clearwater Mountains), northeastern Oregon (Blue Mountains), and western Montana (Mission and Swan Ranges); and 6) Rocky Mountains of Utah (Wasatch and Uinta Mountains), Colorado (Park and Front Ranges), and Wyoming (Medicine Bow and Park Range Mountains).

Although Cypripedium fasciculatum appears to have a broad range, its distribution within the 8 western states it occupies is relatively scattered and disjunct. The northern limit of Cypripedium fasciculatum in the Cascades is on the Wenatchee National Forest. The majority of the known sites on this forest occur in Chelan County. This species has been reported as occurring in British Columbia (Hitchcock et al. 1969); however, these reports have been discounted (Brownell and Catling 1987).

2. Suspected Range

A potential still exists to discover additional sites in the Klamath Mountain Province of Oregon and California. Surveys under the ROD for the NFP pertain only in the Klamath Mountains portion of the species range.

E. Timing of Surveys

Cypripedium fasciculatum flowering usually occurs from April to May, with sites at lower elevations blooming earlier than sites at higher elevations. Surveys should be conducted during the flowering or fruiting period (mid-April through August) when plants are most easily seen and identifiable.

F. Threats

Management Recommendations for C. fasciculatum (Seevers and Lang 1998) identified the following major threats:

• Physical disturbance of sites.
• Loss of microclimate to the sites

REFERENCES

Barker, L. M. 1983. Botanical investigation and management guidelines for Cypripedium species. USDA, Forest Service, Region 5, Klamath NF.

Brownell, V. R. and P. M. Catling. 1987. Notes on the distribution and taxonomy of Cypripedium fasciculatum Kellogg ex Watson (Orchidaceae). Lindleyana 2(1): 53-57.

Case, F. W. Jr. 1987. Orchids of the western Great Lakes region. Cranbook Institute of Science. Bulletin 48.

Correll, D. S. 1978. Native orchids of North America north of Mexico. Stanford University Press. Stanford, California.

Curtis, J. T. 1943. Germination and seedling development in five species of Cypripedium L. American Journal of Botany. March 199-206.

Fowlie, J. A. 1988. Cypripedium fasciculatum on serpentine landslides of northwestern California. Orchid Digest (July-Aug.-Sept.): 136-139.

Harper, J. L. and J. White. 1974. The demography of plants. Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 5: 419-463.

Harrod, R. J. 1993. Habitats of Cypripedium fasciculatum on the Wenatchee National Forest. Unpublished Study.

Harrod, R. J. 1994. Characteristics of Cypripedium fasciculatum seeds. Northwest Science 68(2).

Harrod, R. J. (in preparation). Conservation strategy for Cypripedium fasciculatum (Orchidaceae) within the Cascade Range. U.S.D.A., Forest Service, Region 6, Wenatchee National Forest, Leavenworth Ranger District.

Harrod, R. J. and D. Knecht. 1994. Preliminary observations of the reproductive ecology of Cypripedium fasciculatum. Northwest Science 68(2).

Harrod, R. J., D. Knecht, E. Kuhlmann, M. Ellis, and R. Davenport. 1996. Effects of the Rat and Hatchery Creek fires on four rare plant species. Unpublished paper on file at U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Region 6, Wenatchee National Forest, Leavenworth Ranger District

Hitchcock, C. L., A. Cronquist, M. Ownbey, and J. W. Thompson. 1969. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press, Seattle, WA.

Kagan, J. 1990. Draft species management guide for Cypripedium fasciculatum for southwestern Oregon. Oregon Natural Heritage Data Base. Portland, Oregon.

Knecht, D. 1996. The Reproductive and population ecology of Cypripedium fasciculatum (Orchidaceae) throughout the Cascade Range. Thesis.

Luer, C. A. 1969. The genus Cypripedium in North America. American Orchid Society Bulletin, October-908.

Oregon Natural Heritage Program. 1998. Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species of Oregon. Oregon Natural Heritage Program, Portland, Oregon. 92 pp.

Seevers, J. and F. Lang 1998. Management Recommendations for Clustered Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium fasciculatum Douglas ex Lindley). Unpublished manuscript.

Sheviak, C. J. 1990. Biological considerations in the management of temperate terrestrial orchid habitats. New York State Museum Bulletin 471, pp.194-196.

USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management. 1994a. Final supplemental environmental impact statement on managing of habitat for late successional and old-growth species within the range of the northern spotted owl. Portland, Oregon.

USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management. 1994b. Final supplemental environmental impact statement on managing of habitat for late successional and old-growth species within the range of the northern spotted owl. Appendix J2, Results of Additional Species Analysis. Portland, Oregon.

Whitlow, C. E. 1983. Cypripedium culture. Pp. 25-31 in E. H. Paxton (ed.). Proceedings of the North American Terrestrial Orchids Symposium II and Lectures. Michigan Orchid Society, Livonia, MI.