Ophrys scolopax aka Woodcock Orchid

Ophrys scolopax is the woodcock orchid. It is part of the orchid family. This plant lives for more than one year. It comes from southern Europe, not Britain or Ireland. In the wild, it grows in grass and stony ground. Plants reach about 1.6 feet (0.5 metres) in height. The sources give no spread for a full-grown plant. They say little about this species' leaves or stems.

The woodcock orchid blooms from April to May. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects move pollen from one flower to the next. The sources do not describe its fruit or seed capsules. Each seed has a tiny embryo, with little stored food. Seeds need help from a soil fungus to grow. This bond shapes how gardeners must grow the plant.

It grows in full sun or part shade. PFAF says sand, loam, and clay soils all suit it. It also grows in slightly acid or slightly alkaline soil. Neutral soil suits it too, and it prefers moist soil. PFAF gives this species USDA hardiness zones 7–10. It also gives an older UK zone number. That number is not an RHS hardiness rating. PFAF lists lawns and meadows as places to grow it. In grass, wait until seed forms before you mow.

Growing this orchid from seed calls for care. Sow ripe seed on the surface in a greenhouse. Do not let the growing mix dry out. The seed needs its fungus to help with early growth. PFAF says to add soil from around plants already growing. Its growing notes warn against harm to this bond. Fertilizers and fungicides can harm the fungus that helps orchids. These needs make the plant hard to grow. This holds true despite the wide range of soils it accepts.

PFAF lists cooked roots as safe to eat. It rates their value as food two out of five. Dried, ground tubers yield salep, a powder used in food. People have added it to drinks, bread, and cereal dishes. PFAF also notes past uses of salep as medicine. Its mucilage forms a jelly used to soothe gut irritation. These uses do not prove that it has health benefits. PFAF lists no known hazards but gives no full safety review. It also says the species has no weed potential.