The inflorescence of the orchid is a dense raceme (spike-like cluster) containing 7 to 70 small flowers.

The labellum is strap-shaped and usually split at the very tip to form two or three tooth-like divisions, with the middle tooth smaller than the others.

Dactylorhiza viridis has a wide distribution across the cooler parts of the Northern Hemisphere, covering much of Europe, non-tropical Asia (Russia, Japan, China, the Himalayas, etc.

Dactylorhiza viridis is mainly pollinated by beetles and a wide range of Hymenoptera including ants.

[12][13] The chemistry of a variety that has been known as bracteatum is complex, featuring a wealth of bioactive constituents, at least seven of which are peculiar to the plant.