The clustered lady's
slipper, Cypripedium fasciculatum (CYFA), is a relatively
primitive slipper orchid designated for special management throughout
its range in the Pacific Northwest. It is one of three Cypripedium
species endemic to western North America where it occurs infrequently,
and most often, in populations of 10 or fewer individuals. Clustered
lady's slipper habitat lies in the low- to mid-elevation mixed
evergreen forests that often receive silvicultural treatment.
Very little is known about either the autecology of this orchid
or its response to thinning. The purpose of this study is to
determine the current status and demographic structure of clustered
lady's slipper populations in southwest Oregon, describe habitat
characteristics at different scales, determine biological characteristics
that will be useful in monitoring CYFA, and quantify the species'
response to thinning.
This research was coordinated with that of other scientists
who are investigating the identity of potential pollinators
and mycorrhizal fungi that colonize the roots and rhizome
of C. fasciculatum. The population dynamics of western
rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera oblongifolia), a common
evergreen orchid that often occurs with clustered lady's slipper,
is being studied concurrently to compare differences in 
population characteristics between a rare and common orchid
species. In 1999, research was begun on the spatial dynamics
of candystick (Allotropa virgata) populations, an achlorophyllous
plant in the Heath family. Candystick was removed from the
Survey and Manage list in the Northwest Forest Plan in 2001
but remains on sensitive plant lists.
For additional information about this research study see the 2001 CFER
Annual Report. (1.1 MB)
