Thursday, July 9, 2009

A Rare White Lady's Slipper

Late Tuesday afternoon I called next door neighbor Jo to see if she wanted to go for one last look at the Lady Slippers. They are nearing the end of their blooming period. We headed west this time, we found several good stands, at the last place we stopped Jo hollered "Come look at this one, it is white!" Sometimes they fade in the sun and can look almost white. This one was different, it was a true blue "White Queen" or Cypripedium reginae forma albolabium. She was beautiful, Jo is a great explorer!

How rare is it? I am not sure, no one in Minnesota can tell me either. I did find out that they occur in just three locations in all of Ontario, Canada our neighbors to the north. I called the Minnesota State Botanist, Welby Smith, he must be out and about..because I am still waiting for him to return my call. I finally found his email address and sent him a photo..if that doesn't get his interest nothing will. I do have some questions for him.. is this a true seedling variation? How often are they found in Minnesota and where?
The flower lesson for today.. Cypripedium is pronounced sip-rih-PEE-dee-um.. just in case you were wondering..rolls right off your tongue now doesn't it:)

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Connie, I love your new header. This white Lady's Slipper is amazing! Let us know if you learn more.

West Side of Straight said...

Knew you'd research more on the white one! great. Twas fun.

Unknown said...

Wow, that is beautiful! Have you heard of Dutchman's Britches? (don't know the scientific name) This spring I dropped in on a friend and her husband had picked some while mushroom hunting in the woods. They remind me of your Lady's Slipper, but much smaller.

Becca's Dirt said...

Connie those are so beautiful. Love the header.

Rae said...

Very pretty. What a great find. Love the new header except I think Chance should have the biggest picture though - you know how much I love your dog.

Emma Rose said...

Wow, that picture is stunning! Great find!

DayPhoto said...

How neat! I love learning about your neck of the woods. And these flowers are just...so...fairy like seeing them is special.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

L. D. said...

That white lady slipper is beautiful. I am anxious to hear what the botanists has to say. You are so lucky to see that many lady slippers.

Leah said...

The ladyslippers are beautiful - it sounds like you two had fun on your little adventure... Today I saw (I believe) some ladyslippers by a blue highway sign going the back way to DL -- wonder if you had seen them? They looked as if they were done for the season... I'll have to remember to look next year! Hope you and Gene enjoyed the fair....

Far Side of Fifty said...

Milah, Yes I have heard of Dutchman's Britches, I have not been able to locate them in the wild here. YET!
Growing Up a Country Girl, Most of the Lady Slippers that are out in the sun or even in dappled shade are done. Only the ones in heavy shade are looking good yet. We are so dry and need rain, so that shortens the bloom time. Still we have had twenty days of their blooms! All the back roads to DL have a few slippers here and there!
Thanks everyone for your comments, and I will post again sometime on the results of my talk with the Botanist..if he ever calls back. Far Guy and I went back to the same area today and found two more plants in an area very near where Jo found the first one. So I got more photos! :)

Jewel said...

great pictures

Anonymous said...

Yep - I just love the way that name is rolling off my tongue! Something to do with Sea-pee-diums?

What a gorgeous shot of a rare flower. Well done, Far Side!

Farmchick said...

Beautiful flower! I found you via the milk man's wife---I noticed you said you lived far north so I had to check you out. (I live in ND) Stop over and visit me sometime! Happy weekend to you. :)

Roxane B. Salonen said...

I marvel, too, at nature's treasures. What a find! I also love your new header. You are so creative with your images.

RURAL said...

Love the header, again, beautiful shots.

How fortunate you are to have seen this beauty. I hope that he realized how special it was.

Jen

The Retired One said...

Wow. It sure is pretty!