Dactylorhiza fuchsii

Quick Characteristics:

Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soó is known in the UK as the common spotted orchid; it is widespread through Northern Europe, Russia and even parts of China. It's found in alkaline damp meadows and marshes. It has in the past been classified as Dactylorhiza maculata subsp. fuchsii. The leaves are spotted and the large lower lobe in the flower is key to distinguishing this orchid from similar species. The colour of the flowers is very variable; in var. o'kellyi they are pure white. Photographs by David Pilling; in photo 5 the grid spacing is 10 mm.