Orchid for ID, please

[Nettle Runner]

Dinnington, S. Yorks
Found a small scattered group, just emerging, on a reclaimed coal pit tip.





Nearest I could come up with, is the Southern Marsh Orchid, but this must be the limit of its range.

Your comments and observations welcomed
Les

[AdeKing]

Hi Les,
I'm having a nightmare telling the difference between the various marsh orchids at the moment as well.

For what its worth, this does look like a Southern Marsh Orchid.
According to the Anne & Simon Harrap book, the Southern Marsh Orchid is "Widespread in England roughly south of a line from the Ribble to the Humber with a few scattered colonies to the north of this."

I hope this helps,

Adrian

[IanS]

I think I would go with southern marsh for this one too. I want to say northern but its not flat topped, though the colour looks reasonable. However the lip is the wrong shape for the northern marsh....Certainly a darker version of the southern marsh from those I have seen previously. I have heard that the southern is moving north.
Ian

[aeshna5]

Given the promiscuity of Dactylorhiza orchids we can't rule out a hybrid here!

[ChrisJB]

I'd say a Southern marsh orchid too.

Regards, Chris