Dactylorhiza incarnata, the early marsh-orchid,[2] is a perennial, temperate-climate species of orchid generally found growing in wet meadows, and generally on base-rich soils, up to about 2100m asl.

The species occurs widely in Europe and Asia from Portugal and Ireland east to Siberia and Xinjiang.

The labellum appears long and narrow, since its sides are strongly reflexed (folded back).

The flower is often flesh-coloured (the meaning of incarnata) and the labellum normally has loop-shaped markings.

As of December 2023[update], Plants of the World Online accepted the following subspecies:[10] Two hybrid subspecies (nothosubspecies) are also accepted:[10] Hybrids have been reported between D. incarnata and D. maculata, D. praetermissa, D. purpurella and D. kerryensis.