Ophrys sphegodes aka Early Spider Orchid

Ophrys sphegodes is a perennial orchid in the Orchidaceae family. Its common names include early spider orchid and common spider orchid. Its native range covers central and southern Europe, including Britain, and reaches North Africa. The RHS also lists it as native to Britain and Ireland. Plants reach about 1.6 feet (0.5 metres) tall. In the wild, this species grows on grassy slopes and banks. It also occurs along field edges on chalk or limestone. These habitats link it with open grassland and lime-rich ground.

Flowers appear from April to May, according to Plants For A Future. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees carry pollen between flowers. The species can suit a meadow or a lawn. Where it grows in grass, mowing must wait until seed has formed. This lets the plant finish its seed cycle before cutting. Its spring flowers give gardeners a reason to keep that grass uncut.

Plants For A Future lists moist soil as its preference. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils across a broad pH range. That range runs from mildly acid to strongly alkaline. The same source allows sun or partial shade, but its cultivation notes favour shade. It lists USDA zones 5–9 and UK zone 6. The UK figure is not an RHS hardiness grade. Its cultivation notes stress free drainage and low soil fertility for orchids.

Growing this orchid from seed presents a special challenge. Its tiny seeds hold few food reserves. They need a soil fungus to help feed the young plant. Plants For A Future advises surface sowing fresh seed under glass. The compost must stay moist while seeds establish. Its orchid care notes warn that fertilisers and fungicides can harm the fungal partner. This dependence makes cultivation difficult, though plants may appear without being planted. An orchid that arrives on its own may then thrive.

Plants For A Future records the cooked root as edible. Dried, ground tubers yield salep, a powder used in drinks and bread. The source also records past medicinal use of salep. Its mucilage forms a jelly used to soothe irritation in the gut. These are reported uses, not proof of treatment benefits. The source lists no known hazards. That statement does not establish safety for people or pets.