Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

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Dactylorhiza incarnata (L.) Soó

early marsh orchid (Orchidaceae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
Very widespreadSlight tendencyN
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Dactylorhiza incarnata is a widespread but uncommon species of calcareous meadows, fens and dune-slacks.

Bernwood Forest (VC24: Buckinghamshire); 2015-06-01

 early marsh orchid / Dactylorhiza incarnata: _Dactylorhiza incarnata_ is a widespread but uncommon species of calcareous meadows, fens and dune-slacks.

The labellum on the flower of Dactylorhiza incarnata is almost always swept back at the sides, making it appear very narrow from the front.

Bernwood Forest (VC24: Buckinghamshire); 2015-06-01

 early marsh orchid / Dactylorhiza incarnata: The labellum on the flower of _Dactylorhiza incarnata_ is almost always swept back at the sides, making it appear very narrow from the front.

Dactylorhiza incarnata is quite variable in colouration, and several subspecies have been described, but they probably form a continuum that is best not divided artificially.

Kenfig (VC41: Glamorgan); 2019-06-05

 early marsh orchid / Dactylorhiza incarnata: _Dactylorhiza incarnata_ is quite variable in colouration, and several subspecies have been described, but they probably form a continuum that is best not divided artificially.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne