Local Wild Orchids in Habitat

Common Name: Early Spider Orchid

Latin Name:

Photographer: Vincent Blood

Date of Photograph: 21/05/2025

Photographer’s Comments:

“Overall the plants are not as advanced as we've seen in recent years. Though not cold, the winter was often dull for long spells. The ground was also saturated in Jan/Feb - so slower to warm. For a species at the tip of its northern range, these are significant factors. Over the past few weeks the ground has dried out - so much so I was glad we have some rainfall again!

While this advanced plant will likely flower in the next few days, it is a real exception. Some have the beginnings of a stem bud - and leaf rosettes are visible in quite a few places. The vast majority are not visible at all. It will therefore be mid-April before any appreciable numbers are in bloom - and I reckon last week of April as the peak time. In recent years 2nd & 3rd week have been the best.”