Rather robust and about 30 cm long, Orchis pauciflora is a mediterranean plant with green, not spotted leaves. The spike carries few but large and yellow flowers.

The lip is characteristic, it is bright yellow and studded with small dark purpurine spots. Edges are dentate and folded backwards.

This species looks like Orchis provincialis but it can easily be distinguished by its habitat (dryer and calcareous), the lack of spots on leaves and the non-geniculate lip. It blooms from Marsh to May.

In France, Orchis pauciflora is a nationally protected species.