Cypripedium calceolus is a species of orchid that is naturally present in Europe. The flowers of the European Venus slipper appear between May and June.
They are made up of brown tepals with an elongated and twisted shape, and a swollen lip of bright yellow color, shaped like a slipper. The stems emerge in April and during May produce oval, ribbed leaves, light green in color, measuring between 15 and 18 cm. Despite its great hardiness, it is a fragile plant which requires a suitable location, substrate, and care to develop. It is a mountain flower, which grows in temperate to cool climates, and is reserved for experienced gardeners. The common name comes from the original shape of its flowers, notably the shoe-shaped lip. Legend has it that this plant grew following the passage of goddess Venus, who lost one of her golden hooves in the forest while fleeing a shepherd. There is another variety of the orchid which also bears the nickname Venus Slipper.