Early Marsh-orchid

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Dactylorhiza incarnata sbsp. coccinea

Gaelic name: Mogairlean Lèana

Orchid ID Notes

Pale coloured orchids

Intense coloured orchids

White or green orchids

Sources of notes

For quick identification purposes in the Western Isles there are two main orchid species with rich colour like this, the Early Marsh-orchid and the Northern Marsh-orchid.

The Early Marsh-orchid only likes non-acid soil (basic) preferably the lime-rich sandy soil of the machair, like Riof or Northton. Northern marsh-orchid will grow in soils which are quite acid as well as the lime ones, and is often found in damp grassland and at roadsides.

Neither Early Marsh-orchid or Northern Marsh-orchid have spotted leaves (unless they have crossed with another species)

In the Early Marsh-orchids the bottom part of the florets are narrow-looking with the sides pulled back

.Those of the Northern Marsh-orchid are not "pulled back" and the bottom part of the floret appears diamond-shaped

Early Marsh -orchid

Northern Marsh-orchid

Early Marsh Orchid Notes

	Early Marsh-orchid	Early Marsh-orchid subsp. coccinea
	Dactylorhiza incarnata subsp. incarnata	Dactylorhiza incarnata. subsp. coccinea
	Very deep flesh-pink, pinkish, pale purple, (white very occasionally)	Deep scarlet, sometimes described as brick-red, crimson or ruby (uniquely so in orchids) fades a little as the as season progresses
	Cyclindrical flower-head	Stocky little orchid
	Dunes or marsh by sea, machair	Only on dunes and machair
Florets click photographs for larger version
	Bottom part of flower is slightly 3-lobed and overall shape often quite pointed Left and right lobes are pulled tightly backwards (relexed) making the floret look more rectangular and narrow Markings red double-loop with dots and lines inside or purple spots	Bottom part of flower is slightly 3-lobed and overall shape often quite pointed Left and right lobes are pulled tightly backwards (relexed) making the floret look more rectangular and narrow Markings red double-loop with dots and lines inside
Leaves	Narrow and pointed, erect Yellowish-green No spots (usually) Tips turn in and make a little hood 4 -5 Leaves keeled like a boat hull On the lower-half of the stem	Broad and flat leaves, erect Yellowish-green No spots (usually) Tips turn in and make a little hood? 4 - 5 Leaves keeled like a boat hull On the lower-half of the stem?
Modified leaves behind the floral envelopes (bracts)	Narrow and pointed Lower ones usually longer than the flowers
Spur on the back of the florets	Downward pointing or horizontal half as long as ovary (ovary attaches floret to plant)
Spur on the back of the florets

	15 -30 florets	15 -30 florets
Usual height in Western Isles	10 - 30cm	10 - 25cm
	x Northern Marsh-orchid (Fairly frequently) D. x latirella
	x Hebridean Spotted-orchid (Rarely) D. x kerniorum	x Broad-leaved Marsh-orchid (Very rare)