Marsh orchid confirmation

leifus · #1 (**permalink**) 20-05-2009, 06:39 AM

I found this in June 2008. I think it is a narrow-leaved marsh orchid because it shows the characterisitcs:

central lobe on the flower longer than the side ones
few-flowered spike
narrow leaves

but of course it could be a southern marsh...

any ideas?

treecreeper · #2 (**permalink**) 20-05-2009, 11:34 AM

I've never seen narrow-leaved marsh orchid but the flowers on yours look exactly like southern marsh orchid, so I'll be surprised if it's not that. The illustration of the narrow-leaved MO in Rose shows a much longer mid lobe than in your photo.

KeenTeen17 · #3 (**permalink**) 20-05-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treecreeper

I've never seen narrow-leaved marsh orchid but the flowers on yours look exactly like southern marsh orchid, so I'll be surprised if it's not that. The illustration of the narrow-leaved MO in Rose shows a much longer mid lobe than in your photo.

looks more like Southern Marsh orchid to me. I got confused last year as well when I thought I had found one

leifus · #4 (**permalink**) 20-05-2009, 08:02 PM

ok thanks guys

IanS · #5 (**permalink**) 21-05-2009, 10:38 PM

I'd also say that its southern marsh. Too many flowers for one thing! Narrow leaved marsh orchids are pretty weak plants and are often found growing with black bog rush in fens.