Quick Characteristics:
| Height: | 20-60 cm (0.7-2 ft) |
| Flower Colors: | pink, purple |
| Flower Season: | early summer |
| Life form: | tuber |
| Climate: | USDA Zone 6-8 |
Orchis militaris L. is the type species of the genus. It is has the widest distribution of all species, spreading from most of Europe to Lake Baikal. It mostly grows in calcareous grassland on south-facing slopes in colder areas, reaching into wetter grounds as average temperature rises. Its habitat is threatened by eutrophication and intensification of agriculture, but where the conditions fit, it can be locally abundant.
The up to 40 cumarin-scented flowers of Orchis militaris are pale pink with a bright pink to purple rim and spots on the large, split lip. A minor spur is present. The epithet "militaris" is a reference to the helmet-shaped remaining petals. The leaves are plain green and forming a ground rosette, with usually two additional leaves protecting the stem. Photos by Martin Bohnet in habitat in the Swabian Alp.
Orchis militaris is sometimes offered commercially.