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Common Spotted Orchid

Dactylorhiza fuchsii

Dactylorhiza fuchsii Dactylorhiza fuchsii
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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.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

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 Twayblade, Coralroot Orchid, Creeping Lady's Tresses, Dark Red Helleborine, Dense-flowered Orchid, Dune Helleborine, Early Marsh Orchid, 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, hedgerows, marshes, meadows, roadsides, sand dunes, scrub, wetland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Pink, 2 petals
 
The flowers of Common Spotted Orchids are characterized by their delicate and intricate beauty. Each flower spike carries numerous small, tubular blooms with distinctive spotted patterns on the petals. The color palette ranges from pale pink to deep purple, and the lip of the flower often features bold markings, enhancing the overall allure. The arrangement of these elegant flowers creates a visually appealing display, drawing observers to appreciate the unique charm of this native UK orchid.
Fruit:
Common Spotted Orchids like many orchids, do not produce traditional fruits. Instead, after successful pollination, they develop small, dust-like seeds contained within capsules. These capsules, often referred to as seed pods, are tiny and inconspicuous. As the orchid seed dispersal relies on wind or other external factors, the reproductive strategy of Common Spotted Orchids is fascinating, contributing to their role in the ecosystem and the perpetuation of their species in the UK's natural habitats.
Leaves:
The leaves of Common Spotted Orchids are lance-shaped and characterized by their vibrant green color. These basal leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant, arising directly from the ground. The leaves typically have distinct, irregular dark spots that contribute to the orchid's common name. The overall appearance is elegant, and the leaves play a crucial role in the orchid's life cycle, aiding in photosynthesis and energy storage. The spotting on the leaves adds to the plant's visual appeal, making it easily recognizable in its natural habitats across the UK.
Aroma:
Common Spotted Orchids are not widely known for having a distinctive aroma. Unlike some flowering plants that are prized for their fragrances, orchids, including the Common Spotted Orchid, often rely on visual cues to attract pollinators. The focus of these orchids is primarily on their intricate and visually appealing flowers, rather than on a notable fragrance. Therefore, the Common Spotted Orchid is not typically sought after for its scent, and its charm lies in the visual beauty of its blooms rather than any discernible aroma.
Other Names:
Magglyn Breckey, Woodland Spotted Orchid.
Frequency (UK):
Common  

Similar Species

Heath Spotted Orchid
Heath Spotted Orchid

Other Information

Summary

Dactylorhiza fuchsii, also known as the common spotted orchid, is a species of orchid that is native to Europe and Asia. They typically grow in damp meadows and pastures, and on the edges of woods and bogs. The flowers are typically purplish-pink with darker spots, and bloom in late spring to early summer. The leaves are typically long, narrow, and glossy green. The species is considered to be of least concern in terms of conservation status, but populations may decline due to habitat destruction and over-collection.

Blog

The Common Spotted Orchid, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, is a beautiful and widespread orchid species that can be found throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This plant is a member of the family Orchidaceae and is known for its distinctive spotted leaves and flowers.

Description

The Common Spotted Orchid typically grows to a height of around 20-50cm, with a stem that is slightly hairy and green in color. The leaves are typically oval or lance-shaped and are arranged in a basal rosette. The upper surface of the leaves is a deep green color, while the lower surface is purple-spotted.

The flowers of the Common Spotted Orchid are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence that can contain up to 100 flowers. Each flower is around 1.5-2.5cm in diameter and is typically a pink or purple color with darker spots. The flowers have three lobes and a lip that is divided into three lobes.

Habitat and Distribution

The Common Spotted Orchid can be found in a wide range of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, heathlands, and woodland edges. It prefers well-drained soils that are neutral to slightly alkaline and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.

This orchid species has a wide distribution and can be found throughout Europe, including the UK, as well as parts of Asia and North Africa. It is a common and widespread species and can often be seen in large numbers in its preferred habitats.

Lifecycle

The Common Spotted Orchid is a perennial plant that flowers between May and August. The flowers are pollinated by a range of insects, including bees, butterflies, and moths. After pollination, the flowers produce capsules containing numerous tiny seeds.

The seeds of the Common Spotted Orchid are very small and lightweight, and are dispersed by the wind. The seeds require a fungus in the soil to germinate and grow into a new plant.

Conservation Status

The Common Spotted Orchid is a common and widespread species, and is not currently considered to be threatened. However, it is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in the UK, and it is illegal to pick or uproot the plant without permission.

Uses

The Common Spotted Orchid is not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes, although some people have used it in traditional medicine as a treatment for a range of ailments, including digestive problems and rheumatism. It is also sometimes used in herbal remedies for its astringent and antiseptic properties.

The Common Spotted Orchid is a beautiful and fascinating plant that can be found in a wide range of habitats throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa. While it is not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes, it is a valuable species in terms of its ecological and aesthetic value, and is an important part of our natural heritage.

Additional Information about the Common Spotted Orchid

The Common Spotted Orchid is a popular plant for gardeners and orchid enthusiasts, and it is often cultivated for its beauty and ease of care. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions and is relatively easy to propagate from seed or division.

However, it is important to note that the wild populations of the Common Spotted Orchid should not be disturbed or collected, as this can have a negative impact on their survival in the wild. In addition, it is important to only purchase plants or seeds from reputable sources, and to avoid collecting or trading in wild-collected specimens.

The Common Spotted Orchid is also an important plant for wildlife, as it provides a valuable source of nectar for a range of insects, including bees, butterflies, and moths. In addition, the plant's leaves and stems provide a habitat for a range of small invertebrates, including mites and springtails.

The Common Spotted Orchid is a beautiful and fascinating plant that is an important part of our natural heritage. Whether encountered in the wild or in a garden, it is a plant that never fails to captivate and inspire.

One interesting aspect of the Common Spotted Orchid is its hybridization with other orchid species. The plant is known to hybridize easily with other members of the Dactylorhiza genus, as well as with other orchid species. This has led to the creation of a range of hybrid orchids with unique and varied characteristics.

In addition, the Common Spotted Orchid has played an important role in the development of the modern orchid trade. During the Victorian era, the plant was a popular subject for botanical illustration, and it was also used as a model for the development of new hybrid orchid varieties.

Today, the Common Spotted Orchid remains a popular subject for botanical artists and photographers, and it is also a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers who are looking to create a naturalistic, wildflower-style garden. Whether admired in the wild or cultivated in a garden, the Common Spotted Orchid is a plant that continues to inspire and captivate people around the world.

30 Wonderful Facts about the Common Spotted Orchid

30 Facts about the Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii):

  1. The Common Spotted Orchid is also known as the Fuchsia Orchid or the Lesser Butterfly Orchid.
  2. It is a member of the Orchidaceae family.
  3. The plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
  4. It is a perennial herb that can grow up to 50 cm tall.
  5. The stem is slightly hairy and green in color.
  6. The leaves are oval or lance-shaped and have purple spots on the undersides.
  7. The flowers are pink or purple with dark spots and have three lobes and a lip divided into three lobes.
  8. The inflorescence is a spike-like arrangement that can contain up to 100 flowers.
  9. The plant flowers between May and August.
  10. It is pollinated by bees, butterflies, and moths.
  11. The seeds are dispersed by the wind.
  12. The plant prefers well-drained soils that are neutral to slightly alkaline.
  13. It can be found in meadows, grasslands, heathlands, and woodland edges.
  14. The plant is not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes.
  15. The plant is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in the UK.
  16. It is an important source of nectar for insects.
  17. The plant's leaves and stems provide a habitat for small invertebrates.
  18. The Common Spotted Orchid is a popular plant for gardeners and orchid enthusiasts.
  19. It is relatively easy to propagate from seed or division.
  20. The plant is known to hybridize easily with other orchid species.
  21. It has played an important role in the development of the modern orchid trade.
  22. The Common Spotted Orchid has been used as a model for the development of new hybrid orchid varieties.
  23. The plant was a popular subject for botanical illustration during the Victorian era.
  24. The plant is a valuable species in terms of its ecological and aesthetic value.
  25. It is an important part of our natural heritage.
  26. The plant has been the subject of numerous scientific studies on topics such as pollination, genetics, and ecology.
  27. The plant has been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for a range of ailments.
  28. The plant's astringent and antiseptic properties have made it a popular ingredient in herbal remedies.
  29. The plant has been the subject of numerous myths and legends throughout history.
  30. The Common Spotted Orchid is a plant that continues to inspire and captivate people around the world.

The Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) is a beautiful and widespread orchid species that can be found throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions and is relatively easy to propagate from seed or division. The plant's distinctive spotted leaves and flowers, as well as its importance as a source of nectar for insects, have made it a popular subject for gardeners and orchid enthusiasts. While it is not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes, it is a valuable species in terms of its ecological and aesthetic value, and is an important part of our natural heritage.

Videos

Video 1: Common Spotted Orchid, with Common Hogweed at the end of the clip.

 

Video 2: Common Spotted Orchid filmed at Rivington, Lancashire on the 18th June 2022.

 

Music credits
Constancy Part 3 - The Descent by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100774
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Video 3: The Common Spotted Orchid filmed at Crickley Hill in Gloucestershire on the 25th June 2023.

 

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Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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