6/20/09 – Our season’s first orchid sighting happened today. Pay close attention while walking the trail during late May and June and you may encounter one of these, a pink ladyslipper (cypripedium acaule), also commonly known as a moccasin flower. Of about thirty-thousand orchid species in the world, six live in Minnesota. This specimen stands about twelve inches tall. The bulbous pink pouch is about two inches long. A sight indeed, and a marvel to think that this delicate perennial may bloom up to one hundred seasons. – Lee

Pink Ladyslipper

A closeup of the bloom.
Orchid information: Mark Stensaas, Canoe Country Flora