Seasonal Wild Flowers

Early-purple Orchid

Orchis mascula

Orchidaceae

April to June

It is found throughout the country except for parts of the

Midlands.

See the BSBI distribution map for Early-purple Orchid

It grows in woodland, calcareous grassland, hedges and

scrub, and by roads and railways.

Early-purple Orchid is a native, tuberous perennial herb,

growing up to 60cm.

Flowers are usually purple to dark pink, but lighter and

white forms also occur.

Leaves have dark spots.

The flower spikes are less dense than in Common-spotted

Orchid or Western-marsh Orchid.

Early-purple Orchid, Kingcombe, Dorset

Flower spike

Close-up of flower - front view

Side view

Spotted leaves