Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Orchidaceae ⟩ Orchis mascula / early purple orchid

Orchis mascula (L.) L.

early purple orchid (Orchidaceae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
Very widespreadNegligible tendencyS
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Orchis mascula grows in calcium-rich woodlands and grasslands throughout the British Isles.

Snowshill (VC33: East Gloucestershire); 2018-05-23

 early purple orchid / Orchis mascula: _Orchis mascula_ grows in calcium-rich woodlands and grasslands throughout the British Isles.

The flowers of Orchis mascula have an upcurving spur, like Anacamptis morio, but lack the green stripes of that species and the lateral tepals are spreading.

Snowshill (VC33: East Gloucestershire); 2018-05-23

 early purple orchid / Orchis mascula: The flowers of _Orchis mascula_ have an upcurving spur, like _Anacamptis morio_, but lack the green stripes of that species and the lateral tepals are spreading.

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