Marsh Orchid (Probably Northern Marsh Orchid – Dactylorhiza purpurella)
- We spotted one of these on Cowbar in March, in the grassland, near the bund. So far this year we have only seen one.
- It grows in the north of the UK, on verges and coastal cliffs and in grassy places as well as marshes. Large colonies grow in the Outer Hebrides in the sea meadows (machair).
- It flowers in June and July. By the end of June its seed pods had started to turn brown. It will be interesting to see if any more spring up next year.
- Its rich magenta colour is darker than the Early Marsh Orchid which prefers marshes and damp meadows.
- It contains no nectar or loose pollen, but visiting bees transfer pollinia (pollen packages) from plant to plant so that plenty of seed can be set. The light seeds are then carried on the wind to colonize open spaces.
- In Co. Durham marsh orchids are sometimes known as ‘wild hyacinth’ because of the shape of the flower head.
- All orchids are protected under Section 13 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) so they may not be uprooted or traded across borders.
