Satyrium candidum flower

The inflorescence of Satyrium candidum is somewhat lax, bearing from about 14 to 23 flowers. The flowers are usually white, giving rise to its specific name, candidum. Some flowers may, however, be ivory or tinged pink.

The bracts are partly to fully reflexed; their margins are hairless, but may appear slightly ragged from close-up. The conspicuous lip spurs become up to 2 cm long and are usually curved. Satyrium flowers always have two spurs and the lip is at the top, the ovary not twisted as is found among the non-resupinate orchids.

The lateral sepals and petals are similar and joined at the base for the lower third of their lengths, positioned on the side of the lip. The ovary may be up to 1,8 cm long and is deeply ridged.

Flowering begins in spring, lasting to midsummer. Large moths are probably the pollinators, or the main ones (Liltved and Johnson, 2012; iSpot).