Queen Lady's-slipper
Cypripedium reginae
Last reviewed: August 2026
Queen Lady's-slipper (Cypripedium reginae) is a perennial forb native to AR, CT, IA, IL and 20 more states. It blooms in June and July. The flowers draw bees.
Toxicity unknown
Queen Lady's-slipper (Cypripedium reginae) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
AR, CT, IA, IL and 20 more states
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Queen lady's-slipper is a spectacular native orchid that produces large, showy white and pink pouch-shaped flowers in early summer. This elegant perennial prefers consistently moist, rich soil and partial shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or naturalized areas. The plant goes completely dormant in winter, disappearing until spring growth emerges.
Growing Queen Lady's-slipper
Grow Queen Lady's-slipper in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Queen Lady's-slipper takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Completely disappears when dormant, leaving empty soil
- Requires specialized growing conditions that may appear unkempt
- Very expensive and difficult to establish successfully
Wildlife value
This orchid attracts native bees as pollinators, though it blooms for a relatively short period in summer.
Common questions
- How much sun does Queen Lady's-slipper need?
- Queen Lady's-slipper grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Queen Lady's-slipper bloom?
- Queen Lady's-slipper blooms in June and July.
- Where is Queen Lady's-slipper native?
- Queen Lady's-slipper (Cypripedium reginae) is native to AR, CT, IA, IL and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Queen Lady's-slipper attract?
- Queen Lady's-slipper draws bees.
- Is Queen Lady's-slipper HOA-friendly?
- Queen Lady's-slipper takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Queen Lady's-slipper? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz