The Early Purple Orchid is so called because it is one of the first orchids to flower in the UK each year. It looks similar to the green-winged orchid, however the early purple orchid has spots or blotches on its leaves.

Grows in a wide variety of habitats on neutral or calcareous soils, flourishing in particular in broadleaved woodland and coppices. It also grows on calcareous grassland, limestone pavement, road verges and beside damp flushes on coastal cliffs.

Some populations have been lost from broad-leaved woodlands which have been cleared and replanted with conifers.

Widespread throughout the British Isles, especially in the southern half of England. Populations have been lost in central England and in Scotland, where it is far less common in the northeast. In Ireland it is more frequent in the north and south-west, and is prominent in The Burren.