Early Purple Orchids

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Scientific name:  Orchis mascula

Size:  Grows to a height of 60cm

Distribution:  Found throughout the UK

Flowering Months:  April to June

Habitat:  Woodlands.  Occasionally seen on meadows

Special features:  Early Purple Orchids are one of the first orchids to flower each year, hence the "early" part of their name.  They look similar to the green-winged orchids, however the Early Purple Orchids have dark spots or blotches on their leaves.

There are also some pale forms of the species which have almost white flowers and no spots on the leaves which can make identification a little difficult.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Wild Flowers Section
• What's Out Now?