SafePlants

Showy Lady's-Slipper (Cypripedium reginae)

The Showy Lady's-Slipper, Cypripedium reginae, is a captivating orchid native to North America. Celebrated for its beauty and rarity, this plant holds a special place in the hearts of many.

Common Names

• Showy Lady's-Slipper
• Pink-and-White Lady's-Slipper
• Queen's Lady's-Slipper

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cypripedium reginae Walter
• Genus: Cypripedium
• Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid family)
• Synonyms: Cypripedium album, Cypripedium spectabile
• French Name: Cypripde royal

Distribution and Habitat

This orchid is distributed through eastern and central Canada and the U.S., ranging from North Carolina to Saskatchewan. It thrives in open fens, bogs, swamps, and damp woods where there is ample natural light. Specifically, it has been found in white cedar bogs and hillside habitats.

Morphological Characteristics

• The Showy Lady's-Slipper is a large, deciduous perennial orchid.
• It grows on hairy stems, typically reaching a height of 15-40 inches (0.35-1 meter) or 2 to 2 1/2 feet.
• The plant features 1 or 2 irregular 2 to 3-inch flowers.
• Flowers have a white to deep pink pouch and splayed white petals and sepals.
• It has 3 to 7 oval to lance-shaped leaves.

Ecological Role

The Showy Lady's-Slipper is rare in several New England states. Due to its beauty and rarity, collection and commercial sale have been regulated in Minnesota since 1925.

Quirky Facts

• The Showy Lady's-Slipper is the state flower of Minnesota, adopted in 1902. Every school child in Minnesota should be able to recognize it.
• It is considered the tallest native northern orchid.
• In the past, it was used as a cut flower to decorate the Provincial Legislature.

Further Information

• Endangered Resources Program
• Dave's Garden
• North American Orchid Conservation Center (NAOCC)
• Monrovia