The Cypripedium reginae (showy lady’s-slippers) at Eshqua Bog are in full bloom. It is a dazzling display, but will not last much longer. A short walk through the woods brings you to a series of boardwalks. At the second set, to say there is a big surprise is to understate what occurs. On both sides of the boardwalk, there are literally hundreds of blooming C. reginae.

Eshqua Bog is a 40-acre parcel, which is jointly owned by the Society and the VT chapter of the Nature Conservancy. It completely surrounds and protects an 8-acre wetland that abounds in showy lady's slippers (Cypripedium reginae) and other wild orchids. The boardwalk allows easy viewing of the wetland plants while protecting their delicate habitat. To see the showy lady's slippers in bloom, plan to visit mid June. 

This species is known in CT, MA, ME, NH, and VT. The USDA map shows its native status as being quite wide-ranging from New England south to North Carolina, west to Missouri, and west to North Dakota, plus eastern Canada. This large, stunning species is the only Cypripedium to have two blossoms on a stalk, although it also appears with one. This image was taken in mid June. It is listed as endangered in CT and NH, threatened in MA, and of special concern to MA.  

For directions to Eshqua Bog, click here.