Green-Winged Orchid
Orchis morio
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Pl. BCBB — Orchis morio
Orchis morioOrchis morioOrchis morioOrchis morioOrchis morioOrchis morioOrchis morioOrchis morioOrchis morioOrchis morioOrchis morioOrchis morioOrchis morioOrchis morio
IOverview
Overview
The Green-Winged Orchid (Orchis morio) is a member of the orchid family and can be found across Europe, from Great Britain to Turkey, as well as in parts of North Africa and Iran. Known for its edible roots, this plant thrives in light, medium, and heavy soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. Native to Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and other regions, the Green-Winged Orchid is distinguished by its distinctive green wing-like appendages on the lateral sepals, which give it its common name. Its light requirements are moderate, with a hardiness rating of 4-8, allowing it to survive in diverse climates. While primarily noted for its culinary use, this orchid also adds ornamental value to gardens and natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Green-Winged Orchid?
The Green-Winged Orchid (Orchis morio) is a member of the orchid family and can be found across Europe, from Great Britain to Turkey, as well as in parts of North Africa and Iran. Known for its edible roots, this plant thrives in light, medium, and heavy soils with a pH between 7 and 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Green-Winged Orchid thrives in light to moist conditions and prefers a soil that is well-draining but can tolerate medium or clay soils. It has a hardiness range of 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. The plant grows up to 0.3 meters tall and requires a pH between 7 and 7.5. For propagation, the edible root parts can be used. Ensure the orchid receives light but not direct sunlight, as this may scorch its leaves. Watering should be adjusted according to soil moisture levels—keep it dry in summer and moist during spring and fall.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Green-Winged Orchid for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Green-Winged Orchid to gain experience in orchid care.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot, well-draining soil mix, and the Green-Winged Orchid plant.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early fall when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a pot with drainage holes. Mix equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite for the soil.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Place the plant in the center of the pot and cover roots with the prepared soil mix.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a bright, indirect light location.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Provide filtered sunlight and maintain temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C).
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead flowers to encourage new growth but avoid disturbing the roots.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, using heavy soil that doesn't drain well, and placing in direct sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe20 regions
native (20)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)IranIraq
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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