Showy Lady's-Slipper Archives

The Lady’s-Slipper: Minnesota’s Orchid of Legends and Laws

A Showy Lady's Slipper, also known as the Pink and White Lady's Slipper or Queen's Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium reginae).

The Minnesota State Flower February 18, 1902 Today the Showy Lady’s-Slipper became the State Flower of Minnesota. The Lady Slipper orchid was discovered in 1789 by William Aiton. The Lady Slipper’s common name is inspired by the unusual form of the third petal, and it’s what makes the bloom look like a little shoe. During…

February 18, 2021 The Little Fern That Could, Antoine Nicolas Duchesne, Snowy Owls, Showy Lady’s-Slipper, Ellis Rowan by Kate Collins, and the New Rare-Plant House at the Fairchild Tropical Garden

The Daily Gardener Podcast Album Cover with a pot of rosemary - the herb for remembrance - beckoning gardeners to remember to listen to the show. Updated September 2025.

The Showy Lady’s-Slipper: Minnesota’s Timeless State Flower and Its Legends

A close-up photo of a lady's slipper orchid, displaying a vibrant pouch-shaped lower petal in deep pink and white. This unique orchid is known for its slipper-like shape and delicate beauty.

Minnesota’s State Flower 1902 Today the Showy Lady’s Slipper became the State Flower of Minnesota. The Lady’s Slipper Orchid was discovered in 1789 by the botanist William Aiton. The common name Lady’ s-Slipper is from the unusual form of the third petal that makes that part of the bloom look like a little shoe. During…