The Small White Orchid (Pseudorchis Albida), Ribblehead June 15 2019. This tiny, delicate orchid is in decline and holds on in a few sites in northern England, but is locally abundant in Scotland. Found in damp pastureland it can cope with a fairly tall sward although it tends to prefer the drier parts of damp meadows!
This specimen was found in a small colony of around 20 plants. It has a brief flowering period when it can be relatively easily be found despite its size – between 8cm and 25cm. At other times it blends in with the surrounding grass. Flowering period is towards the end of June although in drier years such as this year it can flower earlier. Due to its rarity it is likely to be see only on known sites and usually by invitation. It is best to check first as a visit too early could lead to trampling the hard to see buds.
The decline of the Small White Orchid is thought to be due to changing habitat, partly due to the reduction of old damp pasture for ‘efficiency’ and partly due to variable weather due to climate change, with long dry spells and water logging impacting on flowering.