Orchids of the UK - Southern Marsh Orchid

Orchids of the UK - Southern Marsh Orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa

by

Rob Read

Above: A southern Marsh Orchid growing on the banks of a Test Valley chalk stream in Hampshire. ©Rob Read.

The latest plant in my mini-series of orchids of the UK is a fairly common species in my part of the world and can be found in coastal dune slacks, damp meadows and on riverbanks in the southern part of the UK. It is a particular lover of chalk soils and the Test Valley where I live is a great place to find them from May through to July. 

This species is a rather showy orchid, which can occur in dense numbers in suitable locations. It grows to a height of 20-50cm and can vary in colour from pale to dark pink or even purple, the centre of the petals marked with subtle dots and dashes. The petals are broad, rounded, and divided into three lobes, the outer two of which can curl downwards making them appear narrower. The leaves generally lack spots, and this can be a good identification aid. 

The Leopard Marsh Orchid is an uncommon variant of the species and can be identified by the black rings on its leaves and bolder markings on the petals, both of which presumably give rise to its common name.

Rob Read. September 2021.