Knowledgebase

Native Pitcher Plant? #931893

Asked May 16, 2026, 11:19 AM EDT

My partner and I were on a hike in Severn Run (east side, Brown trailhead) when we spotted this plant on the side of the trail. We think it's a pitcher plant, but we're not even close to plant experts and it doesn't quite look like any of the images we've found. It was of moderate size but looked like it was still growing—see the attached image. What is it?

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, 

These are commonly called Pink Lady's Slippers, Cypripedium acaule and they are in the orchid family. Super cool woodland plants! They have a unique relationship with a fungus to be able to have the seeds germinate. The link will lead to more info.

Emily

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 18, 2026, 10:56 AM EDT

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