Europe and western Asia
Herbaceous perennial orchid, 20-80 cm, from a branched, spreading rhizome. Leaves sessile and clasping, ovate to lanceolate, 3-10 cm, the upper leaves progressively smaller. Inflorescence a loose to moderately dense, one-sided raceme with 15-50 flowers, 10–30 cm. Floral bracts leaf-like, linear or narrowly lanceolate, often longer than the flowers. Flowers small, nodding, green or pale purple. [Flora of North America, New York Botanical Garden]