MARSH HELLEBORINE Epipactis palustris

Caldrist y Gors

A stunning hardy orchid that thrives in open sunny areas, particularly  fens, wet grasslands and dune slacks.  It has reddish stems and the flower has a distinctive white rilly lip with reddish-pink sepals. The flower spike is loose with up to 20 dangling flowers. Marsh Helleborine relies on bees for pollination and some bees have become 'intoxicated' by the nectar.

A declining species due to habitat loss.

Height: up to 50cm

Flowers: June to August

Colour: White, reddish-pink