Orchid

• These two could be Common Spotted orchids (Dactylorhiza fuchsii)
• These orchids appear in patches on the Cowbar grassland in June and July and flower until August. (They also grow on the verges of the A174)
• They can be found in Europe, including Ireland, and as far east as Siberia, Monglia and Xinjiang.
• This is an orchid which adapts quickly and forms hybrids with other orchid species, so flowers can be very varied in colour. On Cowbar we have seen deep to pale pink with a range of petal markings.
• The leaves are green with many purple, oval spots.
• It grows in many different habitats, including woodland, roadside verges, hedgerows, old quarries, sand dunes and marshes.
• The flowers are highly perfumed and are especially attractive to day-flying moths.
• This orchid is the county flower of West Lothian.
• It’s local names include: Adam and Eve, adder’s flower, crow-foot, curlie-daddie [curly head], dead man’s finger, kettle-case, ring-finger and old woman’s pincushion.