Dactylorhiza fuchsii subsp. psychrophila differs from the type species by a smaller size and a reduced number of leaves and flowers. Drawings on the labellum are generally more contrasted.

This subspecies, of Scandinavian origin, can only be found, in France, in altitude meadows. It remains difficult to identify as it looks like the type species as so as Dactylorhiza savogiensis. In addition, a confusion reigns around its name, because it is also called "psychophila", naming which does not correspond to the etymology (psychros = cold).

Blooming spreads from May to August as the type species.