The Dactylorchid group
The Common Spotted Orchid
As the name implies, this is one of our most common orchids, but they do like to hybridize with other orchids which may be near by. This leads to many identification problems for beginners and experts alike.
They also change their height and colouring according to their immediate habitat but the deeply three-lobed lip will distinguish it from its cousin the Heath Spotted. From mid-May through to mid-July they can be seen at many sites around Dorset.
This variety, that has no spots on the leaves or the flowers is not uncommon.