Some Dactylorhiza will be difficult to identify because each species varies and hybrids are common. In some regions, these hybrids are more numerous than the type species. Observing Dactylorhiza is proof that once again, some specialists tend to segment and name what are sometimes only varieties. Evolution is certainly underway, but it will not happen on the scale of current humanity. Patience!

I will therefore only present a few species, those whose identification remains certain.

Dactylorhiza sambucina is a stocky plant that can be found on damp but not soggy substrates, neutral to slightly acidic. It can also be found at altitude, between 500 and 1500 meters. While usually, we tend to name each variation, for this species which has the particularity of having yellowish or reddish flowers, the consensus which consists of keeping a single name prevails although we can observe subtle morphological differences between the two varieties. Sometimes one color largely prevails in a station of Elderberry Orchid but in principle we will almost systematically find the two together in proportions that can vary. This cohabitation allows for rapid identification. Possible confusion with Orchis provincialis for the yellow variety. But O provincialis is more slender with more spaced flowers. The presence of bracts (floral parts resembling leaves and scattered in the inflorescence of the Elderberry Orchid is also an element of differentiation. These bracts are green when the flower is yellow and purple when it is red. Possible confusion with Orchis mascula for the red variety and it is also the bracts that will allow them to be identified because they are not very visible in O mascula . The latter often has spotted leaves starting from the base and D sambucina has leaves without spots and some of which are on the stem. The inflorescence is more compact, compact in D Sambucina and more slender in O mascula . The pigmentation in the center of the labellum is very variable, present or not and does not constitute a reliable criterion. The labellum is sometimes folded and sometimes spread out and quite wide, it is therefore not a very convincing element.