Dactylorhiza fuchsii - Common
Spotted-orchid
Common this orchid may be, but it is no less beautiful
for that. The variations in colour and lip-markings
between specimens bear testimony to the diversity that
can be found in a single orchid species.
This orchid grows to around 20 cm to 50 cm but
specimens up to 70 cm can be found which makes it
generally taller than the Heath Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza
maculata) with which it is often confused. The lip
of the Common Spotted-orchid has an exaggerated central
tooth. Provided the soil conditions are calcareous the
Common Spotted-orchid can pop up almost anywhere, in dune
slacks, meadows and on roadside verges.
The specimen above was photographed in North Wales in
June.
Wild Orchids in Wales
Dozens of wild orchid are featured in the First Nature Guide to
Locating and Identifying Wild Orchids in Wales
Wild Orchids in The Burren
Ireland's world-famous limestone pavement habitat
in County Clare is home to nearly every wild orchid found in Ireland.
A full colour guide to the Burren's orchids is now available
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