Common Spotted Orchid
Dactylorhiza fuchsii
UK Green ListEasy to see📍 Lake District
Season
Year-round. Flowers June to August.
Best time of day
Any. Spotted leaves.
Lake District
Grassland. Woodland edge. Throughout the Lakes. That spotted leaf. Pink flowers. June to August. Common. Don't pick. They're slow to recover.
UK population
Widespread. Our commonest orchid.
Overview
Common spotted orchids have spotted leaves. That pink. Throughout the Lakes. June to August. Our commonest orchid. Don't pick. They're slow to recover. Several similar species.
At a Glance
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Habitat | Grassland · Woodland edge · Roadside |
| UK population | Widespread. Our commonest orchid. |
| Lake District | Grassland. Woodland edge. Throughout the Lakes. That spotted leaf. Pink flowers. June to August. Common. Don't pick. They're slow to recover. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Grassland, woodland edge. Throughout the Lakes. That spotted leaf. Pink flowers. Common orchid.
Identification
Spotted leaves. Pink flowers. Orchid. Common. Several similar. The spots help.
Viewing & Photography Tips
June to August. Grassland. That spotted leaf. Don't pick.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.