Recent genetic research has shown that the three types of Fragrant Orchid found in the UK are sufficiently different to warrant being treated as separate species - Common, Heath and Marsh Fragrant Orchids.

All three species occur in Cumbria, but declines have occurred in the west of the county - the stronghold of the species is now in the south-east. Although the distribution of the three species is not well understood at the present time (as separate records were not often kept), it appears that the Heath Fragrant orchid is scarce in the county and Marsh Fragrant the most abundant.

They are most easily distinguished by a combination of lip shape, lateral sepal shape, habitat and flowering time, although care is needed as there are always specimens that are borderline or, where two or more of the three species occur together, hybrids of intermediate character.

The Cumbria Wildlife Trust reserve at Waitby Greenriggs, for example, holds all three species, including some white Marsh Fragrant. Latterbarrow usually has several plants of Common (paler and fewer flowers per spike - in the meadow area) but only two or three plants of Heath (darker and more densely flowered per spike - at the top of the escarpment) around mid-June. The following is a brief guide only:

COMMON FRAGRANT
G. conopsea

HEATH FRAGRANT
G.borealis

MARSH FRAGRANT
G. densiflora

Common Fragrant
Orchid
20th June