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Early Marsh Orchid

Dactylorhiza incarnata

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Plant Profile
Similar Species
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Asparagales

Family:

Orchidaceae (Orchid)

Also in this family:

Autumn Lady's Tresses, Bee Orchid, Birdsnest Orchid, Bog Orchid, Broad-leaved Helleborine, Burnt Orchid, Common Fragrant Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid, Common Twayblade, Coralroot Orchid, Creeping Lady's Tresses, Dark Red Helleborine, Dense-flowered Orchid, Dune Helleborine, Early Purple Orchid, Early Spider Orchid, Fen Orchid, Fly Orchid, Frog Orchid, Ghost Orchid, Greater Butterfly Orchid, Green-flowered Helleborine, Green-winged Orchid, Heart-flowered Tongue Orchid, Heath Fragrant Orchid, Heath Spotted Orchid, Hebridean Marsh Orchid, Irish Lady's Tresses, Irish Marsh Orchid, Lady Orchid, Lady's-slipper Orchid, Late Spider Orchid, Lesser Butterfly Orchid, Lesser Twayblade, Lindisfarne Helleborine, Lizard Orchid, Man Orchid, Marsh Fragrant Orchid, Marsh Helleborine, Military Orchid, Monkey Orchid, Musk Orchid, Narrow-leaved Helleborine, Narrow-leaved Marsh Orchid, Narrow-lipped Helleborine, Northern Marsh Orchid, Pyramidal Orchid, Red Helleborine, Small White Orchid, Small-flowered Tongue Orchid, Southern Marsh Orchid, Tongue Orchid, Violet Helleborine, Wasp Orchid, White Helleborine, Young's Helleborine

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

50 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Bogs, fens, grassland, heathland, marshes, meadows, sand dunes, waterside, wetland.

Flower:

✿

Variable in colour, 2 petals

The flowers of Dactylorhiza incarnata typically appear from May to early July, making it one of the earlier-flowering marsh orchids. The flower spike can carry up to 50 small blooms, tightly packed, with colours ranging from flesh-pink and lilac to deep purplish-red, depending on the subspecies. The lip (labellum) is usually three-lobed, marked with purple or crimson lines or dots, and the upper petals form a hood over the column. Subspecies such as ssp. incarnata, ssp. coccinea, and ssp. pulchella show colour and habitat variation, often making identification a challenge.

Fruit:

Like other orchids, it produces capsules containing thousands of dust-like seeds, dispersed by wind. These seeds are dependent on mycorrhizal fungi in the soil for germination, which means successful reproduction is closely tied to specific environmental conditions. Seed heads persist into late summer, standing erect even after flowering has finished.

Leaves:

Leaves are unspotted, narrowly lanceolate, and keeled, arising mostly from the base in a fan-like arrangement. A few sheathing upper leaves clasp the lower stem. The foliage is a dull green, occasionally with a slight bluish or glaucous tinge. Leaf shape and the absence of spots help distinguish it from some other spotted marsh orchids (Dactylorhiza maculata, D. fuchsii).

Fragrance:

The flowers may have a light, sweet scent, but it's usually very faint or undetectable to most people. Unlike Gymnadenia species (which are fragrant), Dactylorhiza incarnata does not produce strong odours and does not rely heavily on scent to attract pollinators. Insects are primarily drawn by its colour and flower shape.

Other Names:

Pink Marsh Orchid.

Frequency (UK):

Occasionally seen

Irish Marsh Orchid

Northern Marsh Orchid

Southern Marsh Orchid

Summary

Dactylorhiza incarnata, also known as the pink marsh orchid, is a species of orchid that is native to Europe and Asia. It typically grows in wet meadows, marshes, and bogs, and has pink or purple flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The plant is also known for its medicinal properties, and has been used to treat a variety of ailments including skin irritation, wounds and headaches.

UK Subspecies of Early Marsh Orchid

There are 6 subspecies of Early Marsh Orchid which can be found in the UK:

Dactylorhiza incarnata ssp. coccinea (wine red flowers, like some of the photo's above)
Dactylorhiza incarnata ssp. cruenta (Irish subspecies with spotted leaves, very rare)
Dactylorhiza incarnata ssp. gemmana (Norfolk and West Ireland only, very rare)
Dactylorhiza incarnata ssp. incarnata
Dactylorhiza incarnata ssp. ochroleuca (very rare)
Dactylorhiza incarnata ssp. pulchella (probably the subspecies seen in some of the photo's above)

Blog

The Early Marsh Orchid, also known as Dactylorhiza incarnata, is a stunning flowering plant that belongs to the orchid family. This species is native to Europe and Asia, and it is widely distributed throughout these regions. The Early Marsh Orchid is known for its strikingly beautiful flowers that come in a range of shades of pink, purple, and white.

Appearance and Characteristics

The Early Marsh Orchid is a perennial herb that grows up to 50 cm in height. Its leaves are lanceolate and can grow up to 15 cm long. The flowers of this orchid are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence and can be quite densely packed together. Each flower is around 2-3 cm in diameter and has three sepals and three petals. The sepals and petals are similar in shape and color, and the labellum, or the lip of the flower, is usually the most distinctive feature. The labellum is large and concave, with a fringed margin, and is often patterned with spots or stripes.

Habitat and Distribution

The Early Marsh Orchid is a wetland species that is typically found in wet meadows, bogs, and fens. It prefers damp, nutrient-rich soil and is often found growing in close association with other wetland plants. The species is widespread throughout Europe and Asia, and its range extends from the Arctic Circle in the north to the Mediterranean in the south.

Conservation Status

The Early Marsh Orchid is a species of least concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, it is still important to protect wetland habitats where this species grows, as these habitats are often threatened by drainage, land conversion, and pollution. In some regions, the Early Marsh Orchid is also threatened by overgrazing or trampling by livestock.

Cultural Significance

The Early Marsh Orchid has been appreciated for its beauty and cultural significance for centuries. In some parts of Europe, the plant has been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for various ailments. In other cultures, the orchid has been associated with love and fertility. The plant has also been used in the production of perfumes and other fragrances.

The Early Marsh Orchid, with its strikingly beautiful flowers, is a remarkable species that is widely distributed throughout Europe and Asia. As a wetland species, it is important to protect its habitat to ensure its continued survival. The plant has also played an important role in various cultural traditions and is appreciated for its beauty and fragrance.

Additional Information

The Early Marsh Orchid, like many other orchid species, has a fascinating life cycle. It is a perennial plant, which means it lives for several years. However, unlike most other plants, the Early Marsh Orchid has a very specific pollination mechanism that involves attracting a specific insect species. The orchid produces nectar at the base of the labellum, which is the part of the flower that resembles a lip. The nectar attracts a particular type of insect called a long-tongued bee, which is able to reach deep into the labellum to access the nectar. As the bee feeds on the nectar, it brushes against the anther, which is the part of the flower that contains the pollen. The pollen sticks to the bee, which then carries it to the next flower it visits, where it may fertilize the stigma, resulting in the production of seeds.

One interesting fact about the Early Marsh Orchid is that it is a variable species, meaning that it can vary in appearance from one individual to another, even within the same population. This variability has led to the description of many subspecies and varieties of the plant, some of which are only found in specific regions.

The Early Marsh Orchid is a beautiful and fascinating plant with an important role in wetland ecosystems. It is also an important cultural and historical symbol, with a long history of human appreciation and use. As wetland habitats continue to face threats from human activities, it is important to remember the importance of protecting these ecosystems, and the species that depend on them, including the Early Marsh Orchid.

The Early Marsh Orchid is not only beautiful, but it is also important in terms of its ecological role. It is considered a keystone species, meaning that it plays a vital role in maintaining the health and diversity of its ecosystem. The plant provides habitat and food for a wide range of insects and other animals, including bees, butterflies, moths, and beetles. It also helps to stabilize wetland soils and prevent erosion.

In addition to its ecological importance, the Early Marsh Orchid is also a popular plant for horticulture. It is often grown in gardens and greenhouses as an ornamental plant, and there are many cultivars available that have been bred for specific colors and patterns.

However, it is important to remember that wild populations of the Early Marsh Orchid are threatened by habitat loss and other environmental pressures. If you are interested in growing this plant, it is important to ensure that you obtain it from a reputable source and that it has not been collected from the wild. Additionally, it is important to avoid planting the orchid in areas where it could become invasive and compete with native species.

In conclusion, the Early Marsh Orchid is a beautiful and important plant that plays a key role in wetland ecosystems. Its striking flowers and fascinating life cycle make it a popular subject for nature enthusiasts, while its cultural and historical significance adds to its appeal. However, it is important to remember the importance of protecting this species and its habitat to ensure its continued survival for generations to come.