Cypripedium acaule

Pink lady’s slipper

Botanical Information

• Perennial herb, grows up to 1 m
• Prefers acid soils of bogs, mossy environments and dry to wet woodlands
• Pink flowers bloom in the spring

Points of Interest

• The floral emblem of Prince Edward Island since 1965, replacing other varieties of the lady's slipper adopted as early as 1947
• Aboriginal peoples used root to treat pain, kidney problems, stomach-aches and other ailments
• The only lady's slipper that is stemless and has a completely pink lip
• Name reflects the shape of its petals
• Contact with flower can cause a rash

Diervilla lonicera

Bush honeysuckle

Botanical Information

• Deciduous shrub, grows up to 1.2 m
• Prefers dry woods, clearings and rocky thickets
• Pale yellow flowers bloom in the summer

Points of Interest

• Aboriginal peoples used roots in remedies for senility, urinary disorders and other ailments

Maianthemum canadense

Wild lily-of-the-valley

Botanical Information

• Perennial herb, grows up to 25 cm
• Prefers moist woods, thickets and recent clearings
• White flowers bloom in the spring

Points of Interest

• Used by Aboriginal peoples to treat sore throats and headaches
• Also known as Canada Mayflower

Pinus banksiana

Jack pine

Botanical Information

• Coniferous evergreen tree, grows
  up to 20 m
• Prefers barren, sandy or rocky soil
• Cones remain closed for many years, often until after a fire

Points of Interest

• Leaves and bark used medicinally by Aboriginal peoples in ointments and stimulants
• Roots were used to sew canoe seams and bark roofs; seams were sealed with resin
• Suitable for lumber and pulpwood