Dactylorhiza incarnata aka Early Marsh Orchid

Dactylorhiza incarnata is the early marsh orchid, a European orchid. It belongs to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. Kew records it as a plant of temperate climates. The RHS lists it as native to Britain and Ireland. Its Welsh name is tegeirian y gors. An older scientific name is Orchis incarnata. It grows from underground tubers, which support its seasonal growth. PFAF gives its height as about 1 foot [0.3 metres].

This orchid grows in wet meadows and marshes with rich soil. These habitats point to uses in meadows and bog gardens. In cultivation, PFAF calls for good soil that stays moist. One account also calls for deep, rich soil. It accepts sand, loam and clay, so soil texture need not limit its use. It can grow in full sun or partial shade. Its reported pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. PFAF lists USDA zones 6–9 and says frost does not harm it.

Flowers appear from June to July, according to PFAF. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between flowers. The species varies in form and crosses readily with related orchids. It can also colonize bare soil and disturbed ground. New colonies may appear far from existing plants. PFAF does not flag it as a weed. The supplied species accounts give no further details about its leaves or fruit.

Its roots depend on a close partnership with soil fungi. These fungi help the orchid obtain nutrients. Fertilizers and fungicides can damage that partnership and harm the plant. Seeds have very small embryos and little stored food. They rely on fungi to supply food during early growth. PFAF advises sowing ripe seed on the compost surface. The compost must not dry out. This fungal link matters even though PFAF describes established plants as easy to grow.

PFAF records cooked underground parts as edible. Dried, ground tubers yield salep, a powder used in drinks, cereals and bread. It also records traditional use of salep as a soothing food for digestive irritation. These are reported uses, not proof of medical benefit. PFAF lists no known hazards, but that does not establish safety for every person or pet.