DACTYLORHIZA SAMBUCINA (L.) Soó – Elder-flowered Orchid

Syn.: Dactylorhiza latifolia (L.) Soó, Orchis sambucina L.
Family: Orchidaceae Juss.

Distribution: European species, occurs scattered from Scandinavia to Mediterranean, rarely in the West, in the South only in mountain areas, eastern distribution borderline runs from the river Dnepr to Caucasus.
Habitat: This plant grows in mountain meadows, pastures, forest borders, from foothills to mountains.
Description: A perennial herb with an erect stem, 10–25 cm high. The leaves (4–7) are lanceolate, up to 12 cm long, unspotted, bracts as long as flowers. The flowers are yellow or red, sometimes white. Flowers from May to June. The fruit is a capsule.
Threat and Protection: The Elder-flowered Orchid is an endangered and strictly protected plant in some countries (CZ, SK). The species is simultaneously protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).


These images were taken in Czechia, Bílé Karpaty, Porážky and Březová (dates 24. 5. 2003 and 1. 5. 2004).