D. x transiens has been determined as a hybrid between Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Common Spotted Orchid) and Dactylorhiza maculata (Heath Spotted Orchid) and really doesn't look much like either of the parents.This plant has some of the features of Dactylorhiza maculata (Heath-spotted Orchid) such as the shape of the labellum and size but not the colour which is completely wrong and looks more like Dactylorhiza praetermissa (Southern marsh Orchid) than anything else.

As it is the hybrid between two of our commonest orchids, records are scattered over all of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland without there being a large number anywhere.

Hole of Horcum, North Yorks, 11th June 2005

Added on 14th June 2005, updated 11th December 2008, updated 28th March 2010