Lady’s slipper is a rare wildflower found abundantly in the eastern part of North America, particularly in Minnesota. The plant is grows slowly and sometimes takes even 50 years to reach their average height of four feet. Records show that some plants produce their first bloom after a span of 7 or 8 years.

The plant is an orchid with sometimes two or more flowers on a single stem. The flowers have white petals harbouring on a pouch, which is known as the ‘slipper’ and this has a tinge of pink. The flowers blossom in early June to mid July. The light green leaves look hairy and oval shaped and are attached to the stem tightly. These hairs on the leaves may cause irritation to sensitive skins. Every year lady’s slipper produces innumerable seeds which can be as fine as flour dust.

Lady’s slipper is a very rare species of plant and the plucking and commercial use of the flower have been strictly regulated by most governments. It can be found in bogs, swamps and damp woods with plenty of bright sunlight and is declared the national flower of Minnesota.