Seasonal Wild Flowers

Early Marsh-orchid

Dactylorhiza incarnata

Orchidaceae

May to July

It is scattered throughout the country but is locally

common in East Anglia and the South.

See the BSBI distribution map for Early Marsh-orchid

It grows in wet, alkaline grassland, marshes, ditches and

dune slacks.

Early Marsh-orchid is a native, tuberous, perennial herb,

growing up to 40cm.

The colour of the flowers is very variable, ranging from pale

pink, to yellow, purple and red.

Similarly, the markings are often variable and indistinct.

The side lobes of the lower lip are bent backwards and the

central tooth is small.

The leaves are yellow-green, with no markings, keeled and

with hooded tips.

Early Marsh-orchid, Kingcombe, Dorset

Flowerhead

Front and side view of flowers

Leaves