Pink & White Lady’s Slipper
(Cypripedium Reginae)
What state might be nicknamed the Orchid State?
No, not Hawaii - Minnesota!
The big news in 1892 was the World’s Fair. States were asked to choose
symbolic flowers in preparation. What flower could represent Minnesota?
The ladies’ auxiliary of the World’s Fair Commission decided on the
wild lady’s slipper, or moccasin. They asked Senator W.B. Dean to sponsor
their bill.
The pink and white lady’s slipper (Cypripedium reginae), also knows
as the showy lady’s slipper or queen’s lady slipper was adopted
in February 1893. Thus, Minnesota became the first state to officially
adopt a state flower, beating Oklahoma by a week. Today, Minnesota is
the only state represented by an orchid and it is one of the most beloved
of state flowers.
The lady slipper, is found living in open fens, bogs, swamps, and damp
woods where there is plenty of light, lady's slippers grow slowly, taking
up to 16 years to produce their first flowers. They bloom in late June
or early July. The plants live for up to 50 years and grow four feet tall.
A century ago, the showy lady’s slipper was a favorite adornment
in rural church altars during the summer. Since 1925 this rare wildflower
has been protected by state law (it is illegal to pick the flowers or
to uproot or unearth the plants). Specimens like the one pictured here
are difficult to find, but with some effort can be found on the bog at
Beckman Lake in Isanti County |
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