Anacamptis pyramidalis aka Pyramidal Orchid

Anacamptis pyramidalis is an orchid that grows in the ground. It belongs to the Orchidaceae family. Common names include pyramidal orchid and pyramid orchid. Its native range spans Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is native to Britain and Ireland as well. In Britain, it grows in grassland over chalk or limestone. It also grows on dunes with lime-rich sand. Most of these sites lie in southern Britain.

This plant grows from tubers and lives for several years. It has a narrow form and grows upright. Garden plants reach about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] tall. They spread to about 0.3 feet [0.1 metres]. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The leaves have a lance shape. Some leaves stay on the plant through winter. Small flowers form a dense, cone-shaped spike in midsummer. Most blooms are deep pink, but some plants have white flowers. The flower spike gives this orchid its common name.

In gardens, give it partial shade and soil that drains well. It prefers rich soil with grit and plenty of humus. Neutral or alkaline soil suits it best. It can grow in chalk, loam, and sand. RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H5. PFAF lists USDA zones 5–9. Plant dormant tubers at least 0.26 feet [0.08 metres] deep. Split off the small new growths, called offsets, in spring. Use these to raise more plants. The plant needs no pruning. Slugs and snails may harm it. Diseases seldom cause problems.

This orchid suits meadows of wildflowers and gardens for wildlife. It can also grow among fine grasses in turf. Banks, slopes, beds, and borders offer other sites for planting. Its pink flower spikes suit cottage gardens and informal planting. Its narrow spread means it takes up little ground space. PFAF also lists it as a plant with scent. That source does not flag it as a weed.

PFAF lists cooked tubers as a part people can eat. People dry and grind the tubers to make salep powder. They use it in drinks, cereals, and bread. PFAF also notes its past use as food during recovery. Salep contains mucilage, which forms a jelly with water. Past uses include soothing irritation in the gut. These records show uses, not proof of medical benefits. PFAF reports no known hazards. This does not mean the plant is safe for pets.