Cypripedium kentuckiense occurs in a somewhat narrow range from the Cumberland Plateau of eastern Kentucky and northern Tennessee with outlier populations in central Georgia and Coastal Plain Virginia, west to the Interior Highlands of Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma, and south to the Gulf Coastal Plain of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. Its moderate range is somewhat misleading as most sites/populations are quite small; approximately 100-200 occurrences are believed extant, but less than 30 of these may good viability. Collection is a significant threat with many incidents of poaching documented. Other threats include herbivory by white-tailed deer, disturbance by feral hogs, road construction, and habitat destruction due to logging, pine agriculture, and reservoir construction. This species' habitat has been considerably reduced from its historical extent. Believed to be moderately declining in Arkansas and significantly declining in Kentucky; these two states contain the majority of extant occurrences. However, occurrences in some other parts of the range appear to be stable.

C. kentuckiense is adversely affected by: Direct or indirect habitat destruction erosion and alteration of hydrology of sites, such as from certain timber cutting practices (like clearcutting) agriculture and development Over collection by plant

Estimates of 57 sites in seven states with a known total of 2,683 plants have been reported (Medley, Max E. 1985; National Forest reports, 1950-1989). Certain populations are reported presumed exterminated because those populations have not been visible during field surveys. However, because populations of various terrestrial orchids fluctuate greatly from year to year to the point of not appearing at all some years, repeated surveys to confirm presence or absence are required (Seevers and Lang, 1999). The rhizomes of some terrestrial orchids have the ability to remain dormant underground for up to 4 years (Kaye, T.N. 1999). Dormancy is broken in response to more favorable conditions, possibly for example, from formation of gaps by fallen trees (Liggio, 2003). Also, C. kentuckiense may be a colonizing plant because C. kentuckiense appears to respond positively in some situations of low levels of disturbance. Dormancy is thought to occur in response to flowering in some terrestrial orchids (Kaye, T.N. 1999). However, those populations that experience direct or indirect habitat destruction, alteration of erosion and hydrology of sites such as from certain timber cutting practices and development, are no doubt extirpated.

The horticultural industry is exploring propagation methods by means of tissue culture and division of rhizomes for this species and other members of the genus. Researchers at the Seed Conservation Department, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK and others are investigating methods of long-term storage of terrestrial orchid seed with their fungal symbionts and other cryopreservatives (Pritchard, et al, 1999; C.B. Wood, H.W. Pritchard and A.P. Millar, 2000; H.W. Pritchard and P.T. Seaton, 1993). Studies concerning the reproductive biology and ecology for the genus are documented (T.N. Kaye, 1999; Severs and Lang, 1999).

Management studies for other species in the genus (T.N. Kaye, 1999; Severs and Lang, 1999) can be applied to management of C. kentuckiense. Management includes protection of forest habitat, avoidance of clear-cutting, practicing controlled burning and regulation of livestock grazing. Surveys for existing and new populations are necessary.

Protect remaining forest habitat Avoid clear-cutting Management of burning Management of livestock grazing Seed banking and propagation Field surveys Control collection from wild populations

Seed banking and propagation