Dactylorhiza fuchsii
Not so common in the fields around me, for I only saw this one single specimen back in 2012, and have seen none since. But it was certainly a nice surprise and a sight to behold.
The flower spike is of numerous pale lilac or pink florets, and marked with purplish lines or spots., although other forms can be found from white to reddish-purple. The narrow leaves are usually spotted or blotched with brownish markings. It grows up to 70cm tall, with flowers up to 2cm wide.
Flowers June to July. Found in open woods, meadows, fens and marshes, on roadside verges and railway banks. Locally abundant and widespread throughout Britain, except in Devon and Cornwall, and the north-east of Scotland.
Photographs taken June 2012, local field, Staffordshire.
Nature Journeys 
Absolutely beautiful! Are you a botanist, an entomologist, or both?
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Thank you Mary :). I am neither. I just have a love and great interest in all the natural world has to offer.
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I think we are kindred spirits.
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🙂
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I grew up thinking of orchids as sensitive, hot-house, go-to-the-prom flowers. I was so surprised to find them growing in the wild! Your pics, as usual, capture the essence of your subject 🙂
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Thank you Sally 🙂 I thought the same as you actually, never thinking I would find one in one of my local fields.
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Love it when Nature throws a curve ball …
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