The Southern Marsh Orchid
Dactylorhiza majalis ssp praetermissa
A very complicated and variable plant, the Southern Marsh orchid is very common around Dorset. In its pure form it is not too hard to identify, but once it has started to hybridise with others of this group it can then become an ID nightmare! Typically a large plant, sometimes in bunches, with pale green unspotted leaves. It will appear a couple of weeks later than the Early Marsh and will last throughout June.
