The Early Purple-orchid is one of the earliest flowering orchids in Britain & Ireland and its appearance heralds a new orchid season. It is widely distributed and occurs in both woodland and in more open unimproved grassland habitats, including roadsides. In woodland it favours the edges and areas of recent coppice, where there is more abundant light. It is slow to colonise new areas and is regarded as a good indicator of ancient woodland. The flowering period extends from early April into June, varying with the timing of the season. The vegetative rosettes appear early in winter and in some areas they can be a target for browsing deer. In general, the leaves are heavily spotted but occasional plants do occur without the characteristic marking. As its common name suggests, the flowers are usually a shade of purple but pink and white flowers are present in many populations.

Distribution Map		Key Features
	Records for the Early-purple Orchid from BSBI are shown on the map with most recent in front. (Hover the mouse over the small map to expand it.) CLICK HERE to visit the BSBI website page for updated data and maps with separated data for individual record periods	Plant: 10-40cm occasionally 50-60cm, stem flushed purple towards the top Leaves: 3-8 long lanceolate-oval in basal rosette with 2-3 smaller sheathing the stem, glossy green & usually variably spotted Bracts: lanceolate clasping ovary, variably purple Flowers: 10-50 flowers, upper sepal and petals from hood, lateral sepals erect, lip 3-lobed & points downwards, spur 10-12cm, bent upwards, usually various shades of purple with paler white-yellow base to lip with purple spots, occasionally flowers are pink or white.

Image Gallery for Early-purple Orchid Orchis mascula