Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula)

The earliest flowering orchid in Britain, it can appear as early as mid-April. Fairly common and widespread. Its colouring can vary from deep purple to palest pink. Identified by the broad glove-like upcurved spur from the back of the flower, the long blunt tipped leaves – often with dark spotting. Most likely to be confused with the Green-winged Orchid, but doesn't have the veining in the sepals and uniform coloured leaves of the latter.