Early Purple Orchid

Name: Early Purple Orchid

Scientific name: Orchis mascula

Category: Flowers

Nature Stars: 60

What are nature stars?

About: Flowering April to June, this orchid is often found in habitats with rich soils such as hedge banks, woodland and open grassland.

How to identify: Look up to 50 dark purple flowers on a tall spike.

Where: Widespread and common through the UK.

Fantastic fact: The plant gives of a strong, unplesant smell - a bit like cat pee - when the flower have been fertilised.

Photograph credit: Philip Precey