MINNESOTA: Lady Slipper

Lady's Slipper; just the sound of it conjures up such dainty imperial images. 

According to the Language of the Flowers it's a prize without a doubt, sometimes described as Capricious Beauty. 

It's botanical name, "Cypripedium reginae", also suggests a regal title and may explain why it's often called, 'Queen's Lady Slipper'. 

But another variety, known simply as 'moccasin flower' (Cypripedium calceolus), was mistakenly adopted as the state flower on February 3, 1893 by Minnesota State Legislature, before it was discovered and publicly declared a "fake" nearly a decade later by the ladies of the Saint Anthony Study Circle of Minneapolis, who insisted that this particular flower species was not found there. 

Good Heavens, this flower selection process is such serious business. 

Anyway, a flustered legislature moved quickly to correct the situation and adopted the 'Showy Lady Slipper' on February 19, 1902, making everybody happy. 

Here's a little more to think about while you're stitching. 

This pink-and-white beauty is actually an elusive rare orchid; a treasure to behold--having mostly vanished from its historical range due to loss of habitat.  Slow growing, and taking between 4 to 16 years to flower, it thrives in swamp bogs and damp woods, and may be found by chance, in undisturbed coniferous forests, fen meadows and prairies, dune lags, seeping cliffs, shady meadows, and moderate zones 3-8 in the northern regions of the U.S.  In 1925 Lady's Slipper became a protected species by Minnesota state law making it illegal to disturb the plant in any way. 

It's been the subject of horticultural interest for many years, and remains difficult to cultivate in a traditional sense.  Although it produces a large number of seeds per pod, it spreads primarily by means of vegetative rhizomes.  Typically, the flowers appear in late June and early July with one or two flowers per stem; on older plants, three or four.  In some areas it may flower earlier and throughout the summer months.  When all the right conditions are met, it is possible for the plant to reach a height of four feet and live for at least fifty years.  Quite remarkable!

The stem has a hairy appearance, and these tiny hairs have been known to cause irritation to some people.  Perhaps it is the plant's defensive mechanism to keep it from being eaten by insects and animals, or plucked by humans.  The large ovate leaves are densely pubescent, abut 3 to 5 inches in length, and light green in color.  A single rhizome can contain several stalks shooting up from the same root stock. 

Petals are white with a pink "pouch" that varies from deep rose to magenta; and rarely one might find the entire flower all white or rose-colored. 

 

COLORS:  I loved stitching this flower block, the colors are so pretty, and I think the white-on-white petals worked well by filling them with satin-stitching so they aren't lost on the white background.  For the lower petals I used two shades of pink #3607 & #917; center French Knots are yellow; leaves done in two shades of green;  stem--a contrasting shade of dark green will make it stand out.  But feel free use whatever colors you like.  See more varieties here.

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As an aside, and in the spirit of handmade stitchery, Jenn sent me a link to this old state flower sampler that her great-grandmother made.  I love it and and all the detail that went into it.  What a treasure!  And Deb sent me this picture (below), of another state flower sampler that her mother made.  Also quite pretty, and awe inspiring! 

I'm really excited that some of you are going to be stitching along with me and making a state flower quilt--or just a few random blocks for other projects.  With needle in hand . . . we now travel southeast to stitch up the Illinois VIOLET.

Comments

[Cgirl]

That quilt if breath taking. I just hope my embroidered blocks will one day make my great-grandchildren proud.
Your colors are beautiful. I probably have the color numbers among my 2000 skeins but if not I will take a list on my next trip to Beaumont.
Thanks for posting the color pictures of the completed blocks.

[Bridgette]

Applause!!!!!
The block is beautiful!
The quilt is....daunting :I

I just need to buy my fabric and get started.

[Deb]

Such lovely flowers you are embroidering! And I love your details with the writing as well. Who knew the Lady Slipper was hairy?

My Mom would never believe her stitchery made it to the online world; thanks for posting that, too!

[Julie]

ohhh Minnesota!! I am going this week to MN for the very first time. I really appreciate that you dont just post the pic but you give us some neat facts. I really appreciate the time you take with these state flower post. I was talking to my MIL on the phone today and I was telling her about your state flower quilt. She said back in the 60's she started a state bird quilt. She still has it!! She said she would let me see it when I come visit again. Great post!!

[Yvette]

Your stitching is just beautiful. A bit of history and facts about each flower makes it even more special.

Isn't it a great country where you have state flowers, state birds, trees, and lots of other state symbols ... Look what was done with the state quarters, just wonderful.

[bs honey]

Vicki, I love your blog posts,your many talents, the way you are always sharing, the way you love your family, and you do not even know most of us: but you truly make us feel that you do. Your love of life, and people show through on your post and I just wish to say, THANK YOU.

And, I have a request. Please print us up a pattern for the Mississippi state flower. Yep, it's the magnolia and each May and June, when the tree is in full bloom with its white beauty, I just want to go inside, mix up some iced tea, head for the porch, place me and my tea in the rocker and say....BUT, MISS CHARLOTTE, I DON'T NOTHING 'BOUT BIRTHING BABY'S. Love the south.

God Bless,

[Velma Meredith]

For personal reasons I have not been able to read your blog for a few months. As I catch up on what I have missed, I feel as if I am visiting a long lost friend. Thank you.

[Miss Paula]

Beautiful!! Love the colors!! I like the sampler too. It's a lot of work but what a legacy!

[Celene]

Just received my packet in time for our ski trip. Am planning to give to my son's wonderful teacher as an end of year gift. Really looking forward to working on this beautiful project!!!