Seasonal Wild Flowers

Common Spotted-orchid

Dactylorhiza fuchsii

Orchidaceae

May to August

It is found throughout the country except for parts of the

far Southwest.

See the BSBI distribution map for Common Spotted-orchid

It grows in deciduous woodland, scrub, grassland,

dune-slacks, fens, heaths and by railways, roads and

paths.

Common Spotted-orchid is a striking, native, tuberous,

perennial herb, growing up to 50cm.

The flower spike is relatively large and the flowers quite

tightly packed.

The flowers range in colour from white, thought pink to

deep purple.

The lower lip has 3 wavy lobes and the markings are

curved lines and irregular circles.

The leaves are variously marked with dark spots.

Common Spotted-orchid in grassland

Purple form

Stamens and stigma in the 2 upper petals

Characteristic patterns on lower lip

Spotted leaves

Close-up of leaf spots