It flowers from late April to June in the British Isles, and as early as February in other countries, such as France.

From 5 to 25 helmet-shaped flowers grow in a loose, linear bunch at the top of the single stalk.

It is similar in appearance to the early purple orchid Orchis mascula, which flowers around the same time of year, but Anacamptis morio has green stripes on the two lateral sepals, and lacks the spots or blotches of the Early Purple's leaves.

[8][9] As of May 2014[update], the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families accepts six subspecies:[10] It is a native of western Eurasia, ranging from Europe to Iran.

[4] Cutting or mowing should not take place immediately after flowering but give time for seed dispersal.

Mycorrhizal fungi known to grow in association with the green-winged orchid include Epulorhiza repens (Tulasnellaceae) and Moniliopsis solani (Ceratobasidiaceae).

[16] In 2001 Anacamptis morio was adopted as the logo for Priory Vale, the third and final instalment in Swindon's 'Northern Expansion' project.