Photographs: Ballingeary, Co.Cork

Heath Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza maculata Na circíní Family: Orchidaceae Flowering time: June-August. Perennial. Native. Pale pink flowers with purple streaks, spots. Lip shallowly 3-lobed, central lobe shortest. Leaves usually spotted, pointed. Unspotted leaves also occur. Solid stems. Very variable. Height: 15-45 cm Usually begins flowering approx 2 weeks before Common Spotted-orchids. Locally frequent on acidic heaths, bogs, and grassland. Similar: Common Spotted-orchid, D. fuchsii

Identification between Common Spotted-orchids, D. fuchsii and Heath Spotted-orchids, D. maculata can be difficult. Common Spotted-orchids are normally found on calcareous or neutral soils, Heath Spotted-orchids on acidic ground.
"There is evidence suggesting that Spotted-orchids on intermediate soils tend to be intermediate in appearance."
Ref. 'Orchids of Britain and Ireland' by Anne and Simon Harrap

    
Photographs above: Ballingeary area, Co.Cork. June 2007