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Orchidaceae
Hay-Scented Orchid
Gymnadenia conopsea
Elegance hidden in wild meadows.
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Genus
- Gymnadenia
- Native to
- Europe, Western Asia
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- tuberous perennial orchid
- Height
- 20–60 cm
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- alkaline, calcareous grassland
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 4–8
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Its dense flower spike releases a sweet scent reminiscent of fresh-cut hay, strongest in warm afternoons.
- The long nectar spur can reach 18 mm, mainly attracting long-tongued butterflies and moths.
- Gymnadenia means 'naked gland,' referring to the exposed viscidia that glue pollen to visiting insects.
- It is one of the most common wild orchids in European chalk grasslands and alpine meadows.
- Like all orchids, its dust-like seeds contain almost no nutrient reserves and need a fungal partner to germinate.
Color meanings
0
refinement
1
wild elegance
2
sweet memory