The Green-winged Orchid is a declining species in Britain. It is a short stemmed orchid preferring specialised limestone grassland and grassy meadow habitat. A very localised plant, but where it is found it forms dense colonies. The flowers grow in a cluster on a single spike and are usually dark purple or pink, sometimes white. The flowers are capped with a hood formed by the sepals which appear lined with green veins, which is where the name comes from. The leaves are narrow, pointed and do not have spots on them, which helps to identify it from Early Purple Orchid in particular. Flowering in Britain from late April till June, it is one of the first Orchids to appear during the spring.
Green-winged Orchid – Tony Davison© – April 2017
Green-winged Orchid – a Pink variety – Tony Davison© – April 2017
Green-winged Orchid – Tony Davison© – 3 more examples – April 2017
