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Marsh orchids (Dactylorhiza)
Also known as : Spotted orchids
Marsh orchids is a genus of flowering plants in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). They are hardy tuberous geophytes. The tuber is flattened and finger-like. The long leaves are lanceolate and, in most species, also speckled. They grow along a rather long stem which reaches a height of 71 to 89 cm. The inflorescence, compared to the length of the plant, is rather short. It consists of a compact raceme with 25-50 flowers. The dominant colors are white and all shades of pink to red, sprinkled with darker speckles. They are distributed throughout the subarctic and temperate northern hemisphere. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Orchid
Key Facts About Marsh orchids
Feedback
Attributes of Marsh orchids
Plant Height
75 cm
Spread
25 cm
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Marsh orchids
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Monocotyledons
Order
Asparagus and allies
Family
Orchid
Genus
Marsh orchids
Distribution of Marsh orchids
Feedback
Distribution Map of Marsh orchids
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Marsh orchids
Feedback
Marsh orchids comprises terrestrial orchids favoring moist conditions and partial sunlight. Basic care includes ensuring well-draining, rich soil with moderate water provision, avoiding waterlogged conditions. Temperate climates suit marsh orchids best, with a preference for cool roots and warmer foliage. Common challenges are root rot, fungal infections, and pests like aphids. Seasonally, marsh orchids requires protection from harsh sun in summer and frost in winter, with reduced watering in the dormant period. Spring prompts growth, necessitating increased moisture and vigilance against slugs.
How to Water Marsh orchids?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Marsh orchids?
How to Propagate Marsh orchids?
How to Plant Marsh orchids?
Exploring the Marsh orchids Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Common spotted orchid
Common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) is one of Europe’s most common native orchids. Because Dactylorhiza fuchsii adapts readily to different environments, the species varies a great deal in the appearance and scent of the flowers. Some plants are very aromatic and attract day-flying moths. It is most often pollinated by bumblebees or the long-horned beetle Alosterna tabacicolor.
Heath spotted orchid
Heath spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata) grows in Europe east through Russia, and in northern Africa. It sprouts in forests, meadows, and along riversides at elevations up to 2200 m. The name "maculata" references the plant's spotted leaves. Heath spotted orchid flowers are considered deceptive to bumblebees and other pollinators since they don't provide any nectar.
Broad-leaved marsh orchid
Spread across Europe and Asia, broad-leaved marsh orchid generally grows in marshy areas with low amounts of nitrogen. Each flower spike can contain up to forty blooms. Numbers of broad-leaved marsh orchid are dwindling due to a reduction in its natural habitat.
Southern marsh orchid
Despite not being a common ornamental orchid, southern marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) has elegant purple flower spikes that can be seen flowering in European marshlands during late spring and early summer. These flowers attract bees and butterflies. The plant has also formed symbiotic relationships with a number of different species of fungi.
Elder-flowered orchid
Elder-flowered orchid is a herbaceous flower. The flowers produce hardly any nectar, yet is visited by a variety of different pollinators, especially bumblebees. When it comes to germination, it depends on the presence of a specific fungi. Its Latin name (Dactylorhiza sambucina) comes from the Greek dactylos meaning "finger" and from rhiza meaning "root," referring to its finger-like roots.
Early marsh-orchid
The early marsh-orchid is also called the "spotted orchid" because of its distinctive leaf patterns. They are found around the world in damp, marshy environments. The dominant colors are white and pink. Early marsh-orchids readily hybridize with related species.
Longbract frog orchid
The longbract frog orchid is a unique flowering plant that grows in wet parts of meadows, prairies, coniferous forests, and bogs. It grows more widely across the world than any other orchid, and indeed is found all around the Northern Hemisphere. It gets the name "frog" due to the fact that the flowers are green.
Narrow-leaved marsh orchid
Narrow-leaved marsh orchid is thought to be native to Ireland, although this is contentious since some sources believe that a similar relative Dactylorhiza majalis subsp. traunsteinerioides has been misidentified as this species there. It is called a marsh orchid because of its preference for damp marsh and fenland habitats.
All Species of Marsh orchids
Common spotted orchid
Common spotted orchid
Common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) is one of Europe’s most common native orchids. Because Dactylorhiza fuchsii adapts readily to different environments, the species varies a great deal in the appearance and scent of the flowers. Some plants are very aromatic and attract day-flying moths. It is most often pollinated by bumblebees or the long-horned beetle Alosterna tabacicolor.
Heath spotted orchid
Heath spotted orchid
Heath spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata) grows in Europe east through Russia, and in northern Africa. It sprouts in forests, meadows, and along riversides at elevations up to 2200 m. The name "maculata" references the plant's spotted leaves. Heath spotted orchid flowers are considered deceptive to bumblebees and other pollinators since they don't provide any nectar.
Broad-leaved marsh orchid
Broad-leaved marsh orchid
Spread across Europe and Asia, broad-leaved marsh orchid generally grows in marshy areas with low amounts of nitrogen. Each flower spike can contain up to forty blooms. Numbers of broad-leaved marsh orchid are dwindling due to a reduction in its natural habitat.
Southern marsh orchid
Southern marsh orchid
Despite not being a common ornamental orchid, southern marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) has elegant purple flower spikes that can be seen flowering in European marshlands during late spring and early summer. These flowers attract bees and butterflies. The plant has also formed symbiotic relationships with a number of different species of fungi.
Elder-flowered orchid
Elder-flowered orchid
Elder-flowered orchid is a herbaceous flower. The flowers produce hardly any nectar, yet is visited by a variety of different pollinators, especially bumblebees. When it comes to germination, it depends on the presence of a specific fungi. Its Latin name (Dactylorhiza sambucina) comes from the Greek dactylos meaning "finger" and from rhiza meaning "root," referring to its finger-like roots.
Early marsh-orchid
Early marsh-orchid
The early marsh-orchid is also called the "spotted orchid" because of its distinctive leaf patterns. They are found around the world in damp, marshy environments. The dominant colors are white and pink. Early marsh-orchids readily hybridize with related species.
Longbract frog orchid
Longbract frog orchid
The longbract frog orchid is a unique flowering plant that grows in wet parts of meadows, prairies, coniferous forests, and bogs. It grows more widely across the world than any other orchid, and indeed is found all around the Northern Hemisphere. It gets the name "frog" due to the fact that the flowers are green.
Narrow-leaved marsh orchid
Narrow-leaved marsh orchid
Narrow-leaved marsh orchid is thought to be native to Ireland, although this is contentious since some sources believe that a similar relative Dactylorhiza majalis subsp. traunsteinerioides has been misidentified as this species there. It is called a marsh orchid because of its preference for damp marsh and fenland habitats.
Robust marsh orchid
Robust marsh orchid
Dactylorhiza elata is a tuberous herbaceous perennial growing to 50 cm, and producing dense 20 cm spikes of purple flowers in spring.
Western marsh-orchid
Western marsh-orchid
This hollow-stemmed species reaches 20 to 40 cm high, its leaves are almost always stained purple, oblong, lanceolate, upper bractiform. The inflorescence is dense with bracts often exceeding the flowers. These are purple, rarely clear lilac. The lateral sepals are separated, the upper sepal and the two lateral petals form a helmet.
Richly leaved dactylorhiza
Richly leaved dactylorhiza
Dactylorhiza foliosa, common name Madeiran orchid, is a species of flowering plant in the family Orchidaceae, endemic to the Portuguese Island of Madeira in the eastern North Atlantic. It is a tuberous herbaceous perennial growing to 60 cm and producing spikes of intense, magenta-pink flowers in late spring.
Wedge lipped orchid
Wedge lipped orchid
Wedge lipped orchid is a charming terrestrial orchid known for its robust spikes of pink to purplish flowers, adorned with elaborate, looped markings. Possessing a bulbous tuber, it thrives in damp meadows and woodlands, often forming a stunning display when in bloom. Its broad leaves occasionally feature discreet spots, contributing to its distinctive beauty in a natural setting.
Dactylorhiza maculata subsp. elodes
Dactylorhiza maculata subsp. elodes
Dactylorhiza maculata subsp. elodes is a terrestrial orchid with a distinct character, featuring a robust stature. It typically showcases a spike of mauve to pinkish speckled flowers, evocative of its common name of 'spotted orchid.' Its leaves are lance-shaped and also bear spots, which blend subtly into damp meadows and woodlands where dactylorhiza maculata subsp. elodes often thrives, preferring moist, calcareous soils.
Key flower
Key flower
Key flower is a striking wild orchid with a robust, leafy stem and a dense cluster of pink to purple flowers, each intricately patterned with darker spots and loops. Its broad, lance-shaped leaves taper down the stem, aiding in its resilience in damp, subalpine meadows or marshes. This hardy perennial thrives in cool, northern climates, its vibrant blooms a distinctive herald of summer.
Dactylorhiza osmanica
Dactylorhiza osmanica
Dactylorhiza osmanica is a striking wild orchid with dense spikes of pink-purple flowers boasting intricate patterns. Its broad, lance-shaped leaves are often spotted, adding to its charm. Thriving in damp meadows, dactylorhiza osmanica has a robust nature that enables it to coexist with the symbiotic fungi crucial for its growth, showcasing a delicate balance within its ecosystem.
Dactylorhiza euxina
Dactylorhiza euxina
Dactylorhiza euxina is a striking terrestrial orchid boasting dense spikes of purple-pink flowers, each delicately marked with intricate looped patterns. Its broad, lance-shaped leaves often sport pronounced spotting. Thriving in damp meadows and woodlands, this orchid's tuberous roots equip it to endure the variable conditions of its habitat.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Marsh orchids
Dactylorhiza
Also known as: Spotted orchids
Marsh orchids is a genus of flowering plants in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). They are hardy tuberous geophytes. The tuber is flattened and finger-like. The long leaves are lanceolate and, in most species, also speckled. They grow along a rather long stem which reaches a height of 71 to 89 cm. The inflorescence, compared to the length of the plant, is rather short. It consists of a compact raceme with 25-50 flowers. The dominant colors are white and all shades of pink to red, sprinkled with darker speckles. They are distributed throughout the subarctic and temperate northern hemisphere.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Orchid
Key Facts About Marsh orchids
Feedback
Attributes of Marsh orchids
Plant Height
75 cm
Spread
25 cm
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Marsh orchids
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Monocotyledons Order
Asparagus and allies Family
Orchid Genus
Marsh orchids Distribution of Marsh orchids
Feedback
Distribution Map of Marsh orchids
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Marsh orchids
Feedback
Marsh orchids comprises terrestrial orchids favoring moist conditions and partial sunlight. Basic care includes ensuring well-draining, rich soil with moderate water provision, avoiding waterlogged conditions. Temperate climates suit marsh orchids best, with a preference for cool roots and warmer foliage. Common challenges are root rot, fungal infections, and pests like aphids. Seasonally, marsh orchids requires protection from harsh sun in summer and frost in winter, with reduced watering in the dormant period. Spring prompts growth, necessitating increased moisture and vigilance against slugs.
How to Water Marsh orchids?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Marsh orchids?
How to Propagate Marsh orchids?
How to Plant Marsh orchids?
Exploring the Marsh orchids Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Common spotted orchid
Common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) is one of Europe’s most common native orchids. Because Dactylorhiza fuchsii adapts readily to different environments, the species varies a great deal in the appearance and scent of the flowers. Some plants are very aromatic and attract day-flying moths. It is most often pollinated by bumblebees or the long-horned beetle Alosterna tabacicolor.
Heath spotted orchid
Heath spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata) grows in Europe east through Russia, and in northern Africa. It sprouts in forests, meadows, and along riversides at elevations up to 2200 m. The name "maculata" references the plant's spotted leaves. Heath spotted orchid flowers are considered deceptive to bumblebees and other pollinators since they don't provide any nectar.
Broad-leaved marsh orchid
Spread across Europe and Asia, broad-leaved marsh orchid generally grows in marshy areas with low amounts of nitrogen. Each flower spike can contain up to forty blooms. Numbers of broad-leaved marsh orchid are dwindling due to a reduction in its natural habitat.
Southern marsh orchid
Despite not being a common ornamental orchid, southern marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) has elegant purple flower spikes that can be seen flowering in European marshlands during late spring and early summer. These flowers attract bees and butterflies. The plant has also formed symbiotic relationships with a number of different species of fungi.
Show More Species
All Species of Marsh orchids
Common spotted orchid
Heath spotted orchid
Broad-leaved marsh orchid
Southern marsh orchid
Elder-flowered orchid
Early marsh-orchid
Longbract frog orchid
Narrow-leaved marsh orchid
Robust marsh orchid
Western marsh-orchid
Richly leaved dactylorhiza
Wedge lipped orchid
Dactylorhiza maculata subsp. elodes
Key flower
Dactylorhiza osmanica
Dactylorhiza euxina
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
