Plant species

early purple orchid Orchis mascula subsp. speciosa

Orchidaceae

Species information

Other scientific names

Orchis mascula subsp. signiferaOrchis signifera

Description

A tuberous terrestrial orchid of the Orchis mascula group, with purple to pink flowers in an elongated spike. The perianth segments are characteristically long-pointed, and the middle lobe of the three-lobed lip is conspicuously longer than the lateral lobes.

Plant traits

Growth form

orchid

Life cycle

perennial

Height

20–60 cm

Typical season

Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

dry grasslands · mesic grasslands · forest · forest edge

Light

full sun · partial shade

Moisture

dry · mesic

Soil

neutral · base-rich

Substrate

indifferent

Pollination

insect pollination

Status

native

Interesting facts

Like Orchis mascula, it is a nectarless food-deceptive orchid: bumblebees and solitary bees are induced to visit flowers that offer no nectar reward.