Orchis mascula - Early-purple Orchid

Most of the orchids found in Britain are quite rare, but the early-purple orchid is relatively common. You will find it in woodland and in the headlands of permanent pasture well-shaded by mature hedges.

The leaves are usually, but not always, dark spotted, and although purple is the most common colour you may occasionally find a white variant of this spring flower. The white sample shown below is from the Cych Valley in West Wales.

Early-purple orchids bloom from April to June.

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