Heath spotted orchid
(Dactylorhiza maculata)
The dark spotted leaves of the heath spotted orchid emerge from the ground in May, while spikes of white or pale pink flowers appear from June to August. The plant is rarely more than 30 cm tall. It is common on peaty acidic soils throughout Scotland.
Locally, it is found in boggy areas of the Campsies (usually in wetter ground than the common spotted orchid – see below).
Fascinating fact:
According to Irish mythology, if you pick a heath spotted orchid, you will be cursed by the faeries.
The flowers contain no nectar, so offer no reward to bumblebees, which are nonetheless deceived into visiting (and so pollinating) them due to their striking colour patterns.
In its botanical name, ‘Dactylorhiza’ means finger root – referring to the shape of the plant’s underground tuber. ‘Maculata’ refers to the dark spots on the leaves.
Did you know
The common spotted orchid is usually found on drier ground and normally has broader leaves, deeper pink flowers and more pronounced lobes in the lower lip of each flower than the heath spotted orchid. Both species are variable and can hybridise.