Early marsh-orchid

Early marsh-orchid is an impressive orchid species of our peatlands. In June-July its multi-flowered, spike-formed inflorescens opens at the top of its sturdy, thick stem. The flowers of early marsh-orchid are rather small and most often crimson, but they can also be light-coloured or light red.

Early marsh-orchid is a plant of nutrient-rich peatlands and moist meadows. It flourishes in e.g. rich fens and fen meadows. It occurs in Fennoscandia, the Baltics countries, Ireland, alpine areas and central Russia all the way to the Far East.

The nectarless flowers of early marsh-orchid attract pollinators like bumblebees and other bees with their appearance.

The species is living on sites that are excluded from forest management.