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:)
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:) 
Hi Connie, I love your new header. This white Lady's Slipper is amazing! Let us know if you learn more.
ReplyDeleteKnew you'd research more on the white one! great. Twas fun.
ReplyDeleteWow, 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.
ReplyDeleteConnie those are so beautiful. Love the header.
ReplyDeleteVery 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.
ReplyDeleteWow, that picture is stunning! Great find!
ReplyDeleteHow neat! I love learning about your neck of the woods. And these flowers are just...so...fairy like seeing them is special.
ReplyDeleteLinda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
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.
ReplyDeleteThe 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....
ReplyDeleteMilah, Yes I have heard of Dutchman's Britches, I have not been able to locate them in the wild here. YET!
ReplyDeleteGrowing 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! :)
great pictures
ReplyDeleteYep - I just love the way that name is rolling off my tongue! Something to do with Sea-pee-diums?
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous shot of a rare flower. Well done, Far Side!
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. :)
ReplyDeleteI marvel, too, at nature's treasures. What a find! I also love your new header. You are so creative with your images.
ReplyDeleteLove the header, again, beautiful shots.
ReplyDeleteHow fortunate you are to have seen this beauty. I hope that he realized how special it was.
Jen
Wow. It sure is pretty!
ReplyDelete