It is found in Europe, North Africa and western Asia.

This orchid is native to Western and Central Europe, the Mediterranean region, the Balearic Islands, Turkey, Western Asia, Algeria and Tunisia in North Africa, and Saudi Arabia.

[2][3] It is a perennial herbaceous flower, and can be found in humid pastures, wet meadows and swamps.

It prefers calcareous soils in full sun.

[1] The species epithet palustris is Latin for "of the marsh" and indicates its common habitat.