UK Orchids are wide and wonderful in range

Orchids grow in a variety of habitats and I’m finding that part of how to identify them (much like with wildflowers generally) is where they are growing.

Marsh and Spotted Orchids – Dactylorhiza

Possible Common spotted orchid

This beautiful pale lavender pink orchid I photographed recently was growing in a sunny but marshy area in June in Kent and had spotted leaves. I think it is a Common spotted orchid – Dactylorhiza fuchsii, but I’m a little orchid blind, and I have read that Dactylorhiza are very variable and hybridise easily. So if you’re knowledgeable do let me know!

Marsh spotted orchid Dactylorhiza — Common spotted orchid – *Dactylorhiza* – Wet clearing in Clowes Wood Kent – Jun 2019

Marsh spotted orchid leaves Dactylorhiza — Common spotted orchid leaves – *Dactylorhiza* – Wet clearing in Clowes Wood Kent – Jun 2019

Bee, Spider and Fly Orchids – Ophrys

I saw some bee orchids out on a walk with the Wildflower Society in the Eastbourne area. I am confident with the ID as it was provided by an expert!

Bee orchid Ophrys apifera — Bee orchid – *Ophrys apifera* – Sovereign area Eastbourne – Jun 2019

Pale bee orchid Ophrys apifera var flavescens — Pale bee orchid – *Ophrys apifera var flavescens* – disturbed wasteland at Eastbourne Pacific Drive – Jun 2019

Pyramidal orchid – Anacamptis pyramidalis

I remember my first encounter with this on a nature walk at Primary school when I identified it with the help of an I-Spy Wildflowers book and a teacher. The one photographed below was spotted on the Eastbourne walk mentioned above and was about a hundred metres from the pale bee orchid.

Early-purple orchid – Orchis mascula

Here are some photos I took of this flower in profusion in the Battle area in grass and hedgerows on May Day. The leaves were about 10cm long, broad, glossy and spotted. The big blousy flowers were vibrant red-purple.

early purple Orchid orchis mascula hedgerow ashburnham may 2010 — Early purple orchid – *Orchis mascula* – in hedgerow Ashburnham Battle – May 2010

early purple Orchid orchis mascula field ashburnham may 2010 — Early purple orchid – *Orchis mascula* – in a field Ashburnham Battle – May 2010

I’m aware there are many more British orchids than this, and hope to add more as I find them! I hope to add further ID info and split the species off into their own page in the long term.

Blog posts mentioning Orchids including Dactylorhiza, Orchis, Ophrys and Anacamptis species are tagged Orchid

http://photographingwildflowers.co.uk/tag/orchid/