Dactylorhiza Orchids

The Heath Spotted Orchid
With its close relative, D.fuchsii, the Spotted orchids are present across much of Britain, Ireland, and Northern Europe. Overall numbers are in decline.
This attractive little plant, usually around 20cms tall, bears a profusion of pale, pinkish-lilac flowers, dotted and dashed with pink/red. Perversely, the leaves may not always be spotted.

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Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid, Western Marsh Orchid.
Found very widely throughout Northern and Central continental Europe, this marsh plant has a densely-flowered spike of purplish-red blooms, standing about 30 cms tall. Flowers May-July, depending on elevation and local conditions.

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The Common Spotted Orchid
As the name implies, D.fuchsii is the more widespread of the two British Spotted orchids and the margins between the pair are often blurred.
The tapering flower spike is usually packed with delightful pale pink flowers with the characteristic loops, dashes, and spots. Flowering period May-July.

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The Southern Marsh Orchid
For a 'marsh' orchid, D.praetermissa, is more than adaptable and can be found growing wild in a variety of habitats from Lincolnshire southwards. It is a robust plant, usually up to 50 cms but occasionally more, flowering June/July. Crowded flower spike of purplish-pink blooms with a central 'stripe' on the lip.

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The Northern Marsh Orchid.
Widely distributed in Northern parts of Britain and Ireland, D. purpurella has deep reddish-pink flowers; leaves are usually unspotted. Height quite short, around 20 cms. Flowering June/July.
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