Marsh Orchid ID

[jeffnsue]

Hi there, can anyone give me a steer on Marsh Orchid ID please. I've had a stab at them myself, some are straightforward, but a couple are causing me confusion. These are the fist photos I've uploaded and somehow they all come up as 'Orchid Photographs' rather that the more descriptive names I've tried to give them.

Northern Marsh Orchid? Taken at Lindisfarne and Middleham in mid-May





This is another Lindisfarne plant but looks a bit different. Could it be a hybrid?





Early Marsh Orchids? Taken at a reclaimed landfill site near Chester on 24 May





Southern Marsh Orchids? Taken in Rutland on 28 May





Growing on the same site were Common Spotted Orchids



Could this be SMOxCSO Hybrid?





Our trip to Rutland was mainly to see the Man Orchids at Barnack, but it appears they've taken a year off. All was not lost as there were still afew Pasque Flowers, but the Fragrant Orchids were tiny, only a couple of inches tall





Well that's my first stab at posting photos, let's hit the button and see how it goes!

Jeff

[Dorts]

I'll get back to you on these later Jeff. Though I'm sure others will have a go.
Dorts (in haste).

[Dorts]

Right Jeff, I've found a moment to have a quick look!

Lindisfarne and Middleham
Plants 1. + 2. Northern Marsh
Plant 3. Northern Marsh

Chester.
Southern Marsh, with a hint of another Dactylorhiza species. (Very difficult to say which without knowing other nearby species).

Rutland.
Plant 1. Common Spotted x Southern Marsh.
Plant 2. Common Spotted
Plant 3. Common Spotted x Southern Marsh.

All the best
Dorts.

[jeffnsue]

Thanks Dorts, forgive my babblings, I'm fairly new to this at 63.

I was puzzled about the Chester plants. There were no othe rorchids nearby and I thought the reflexed side lobes and erect sepals suggested Pulchella. No chance?

The Rutland plants make sense now, presumably the bold markings and loops come from the Common Spotted side of the family!

Jeff

[Andy Warne]

Hi Jeff, Nice photos.
The Man Orchids have indeed taken a year off this year, it has been incredibly dry around here until a couple of weeks ago.
Were your Rutland orchids at Empingham by any chance? There is a confusing group in a field there which I go to look at every year and walk away scratching my head!

Andy

[jeffnsue]

Hi Andy, the Rutland Orchids were at Wansford Pasture (also known as Standen's Pasture) just off the A47 immediately west of the A1. It's a Wildlife Trust reserve, limestone grassland with a series of springs and the orchids grow in the wetter areas of the reserve.

Good hunting!

Jeff

[Andy Warne]

Right, thanks Jeff. I know the place and visited myself a couple of weeks ago. There are supposed to be some Leopard Marsh Orchids growing there but all I could find were hybrids the same as yours.

Andy

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by jeffnsue

Thanks Dorts, forgive my babblings, I'm fairly new to this at 63.
I was puzzled about the Chester plants. There were no othe rorchids nearby and I thought the reflexed side lobes and erect sepals suggested Pulchella. No chance?

The Rutland plants make sense now, presumably the bold markings and loops come from the Common Spotted side of the family!
Jeff

If the Chester plants were not so 'spotted' on the lip Jeff, they could well be considered a good candidate for var. pulchella, but with all those spots there has to be a strong Southern Marsh influence.
Dorts.

[jeffnsue]

Thanks Dorts, I'm still learning and the plants don't make it easy!
Would they were less promiscuous.

Jeff

[Hotchy]

Hi, a very informative thread, which I stumbled across from google whilst trying to identify some orchids in and around the garden/land.

I think they are the same as above, but hopefully you could confirm for me.
All were taken today(once the rain stopped)24/6/11. There is around 10 to 18 plants growing wild. In north cumbria/Norhumberland border if that helps.