Plant ID card |
|
|---|---|
Botanical name |
Orchis spp. |
Common name |
Wild orchid. |
Origin |
Europe. |
Dimensions |
The dimensions of wild orchids vary greatly. Depending on the variety, they can measure a few centimeters or reach 1 m high. |
Foliage |
Depending on the species, the foliage of the wild orchid can be deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen. Its leaves also have varied shapes, sometimes oval, oblong, linear or lanceolate. They cover a wide range of colors, ranging from light green to dark green and are sometimes decorated with spots or stripes. |
Bloom |
The flowers of wild orchids are very variable in appearance but are collected in compact clusters. The flowering period takes place in spring and summer. |
Exposure |
Most wild orchids prefer a sunny location but can adapt well to partial shade. |
Ground |
Generally, wild orchids thrive in soil that is both dry and poor. |
Rusticity |
The hardiness of wild orchids varies but it is a rather hardy plant, some varieties of which can withstand negative temperatures down to -15°. |
With their colorful flowers that always have a poetic look, orchids are unusual plants that seem to come from distant lands.
And yet, it is entirely possible to observe them in the wild, in the four corners of our country.
The mirror orchid, incredible colorful flowers
The mirror orchid can be seen on lawns but also in scrubland or even pine forests.
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The flowers of
the mirror orchid
(
Ophrys speculum
) are incredibly beautiful, mixing brilliant blue, shades of anise yellow and touches of almost brown red.
It is very recognizable thanks to its sophisticated look.
A fan of light but also adapting to partial shade, the mirror orchid can be seen on lawns but also in scrubland or even pine forests.
It adapts very well to dry soils.
The purple orchid, a great elegant lady
Sometimes nicknamed “little lady”,
the purple orchid
(
Orchis purpurea
) is a wild orchid that is quite common in our countryside.
It thrives in sunny meadows but can also take up residence at the edge of the forest or even in sunny undergrowth.
We recognize the purple orchid by its robust silhouette which can reach 90 cm in height.
Its generous inflorescences are white in color and spotted with purple.
Also read: How to make an orchid bloom again?
Our simple and effective tips
The pale orchid illuminates shaded areas
The pale orchid is a mountain plant.
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The pale orchid
(
Orchis pallens
) gets its name from the pretty light yellow hue of its flowers.
Although its appearance is rather robust, it is not very large since it does not exceed 40 cm in height.
To come face to face with a pale orchid, you have to take a walk in our mountains, whether in the Alps, the Pyrenees or even the Massif Central.
Note that it thrives in shade or partial shade.
The male orchid, to observe in the mountains
If the male orchid could be observed in sunny meadows or undergrowth, its presence is becoming rarer.
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With its intensely colored flowers that are adorned with purple to purplish shades,
the male orchid
(
Orchis mascula
) is an orchid that does not go unnoticed.
Its beautiful flowering delights us from the end of March to June.
If the male orchid could be observed in sunny meadows or undergrowth, its presence is becoming rarer.
Now, it is found mainly in the mountains, at altitude.
The jester orchid, generous inflorescences
The jester orchid can be recognized by its striped sepals.
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Sometimes purple, red, pink or even white, the flowers of
the jester orchid
(
Orchis morio L.
) can be recognized by their striped sepals.
Its inflorescences are composed of around twenty flowers grouped at the top, giving it a dense appearance.
A fan of sunny environments, the jester orchid can be seen on lawns, meadows and possibly on the edges of woods.
Depending on the region where it is found, the jester orchid flowers between the months of March and June.
Also read: Cymbidium: the easiest orchid variety to care for!
The Venus slipper orchid, a very characteristic silhouette
The Venus slipper orchid is rarely seen in the wild.
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Venus slipper, Virgin's shoe, Notre-Dame slipper... There are many nicknames to designate this very particular orchid characterized by its labels which look like little yellow slippers.
They contrast nicely with its long brown sepals.
Rather demanding,
the Venus slipper orchid
(
Cypripedium calceolus
) is rarely seen in the wild.
To hope to see her, take a walk in the mountain ranges, where she loves the soil and climate.
The burnt orchid, degraded shades
The flowers of the burnt orchid are purple in color tending to black.
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It is to the purple-colored flowers bordering on black located at the top of its flower spikes that
the burnt orchid
(
Neotinea ustulata
) owes its name.
It is also distinguished by its very pleasant scent which perfumes throughout the flowering period, which extends between the months of April and June.
To hope to cross paths with a burnt orchid, you have to walk in the middle of meadows, pastures or even along the edge of marshes.
If it benefits from enough light, it can flourish at altitude.
The military orchid, sweeter than its name
The military orchid is also nicknamed “warrior orchis”!
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The military orchid
(
Orchis militaris
), also nicknamed “warrior orchis,” is a surprisingly gentle plant.
Indeed, its flowers grouped in dense spikes are a clever mix of purple, lilac and white notes.
Favoring bright locations and dry to cool soils, the military orchid flourishes in meadows, lawns, bushier areas and even on the edge of woods.
It becomes rarer as we approach the Mediterranean rim.