Green-Winged Orchid (Orchis morio)

Family: Orchidaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Orchis morio is a BULB growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from April to August, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweetish taste and a faint somewhat unpleasant smell. — This species is a major source of 'salep', a fine white to yellowish-white powder that is obtained by drying the tuber and grinding it into a powder.; Salep is a starch-like substance with a sweetish taste and a faint somewhat unpleasant smell.; It is said to be very nutritious and is made into a drink or can be added to cereals and used in making bread etc.; One ounce of salep is said to be enough to sustain a person for a day.

Habitat & North American Range

Wet meadows, especially on chalk. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)