This is a rare occasional orchid here in the acid soils of Cheshire only growing in a few places where basic clay outcrops have been exposed by the river valleys. On basic soils however it can flower in the thousands. If you go in early to mid May the slopes of Derbyshire limestone valleys for instance, you will see Orchis mascula (Early-purple Orchid), Primula veris (Cowslip) and Anemone nemorosa (Wood anemone) flowering at the same time. It is one of the most spectacular wild flower sights in the UK.

Taxonomy: All authorities accept as the correct name Orchis mascula L.

Orchis mascula Early Purple-orchid Cressbrookdale, Derbyshire 10th May 2006 Previous   Next	Orchis mascula Early Purple-orchid Cressbrookdale, Derbyshire 10th May 2006 Previous   Next	Orchis mascula Early Purple-orchid Cors Goch, Anglesey 11th May 2005 Previous   Next	Orchis mascula Early Purple-orchid Cressbrookdale, Derbyshire 13th May 2004 Previous   Next
Orchis mascula Buds	Orchis mascula Close	Orchis mascula Group	Orchis mascula Cressbrookdale

LHS & Middle Cressbrookdale, Derbyshire 10th May 2006 RHS Cors Goch, Anglesey 11th May 2005

Added on November 18th 2004, updated January 27th 2010, updated 21st January 2011, updated 12th Nov 2014