The fairy slipper orchid has a circumpolar distribution, occurring in Europe, Asia and North America (5). In Europe is does not grow south of 57 ºN (5), and in North America is occurs from Alaska to Labrador, south to northern California, Arizona, Michigan and Maine (6). Calypso bulbosa var. bulbosa occurs in Europe and Asia, Calypso bulbosa var. speciosa is found in Japan, while Calypso bulbosa var. Americana and Calypso bulbosa var. occidentalis both occur in North America (2)