Anacamptis coriophora subsp. fragrans is somewhat less robust than the type species and more variable. The spike is longer with generally more flowers. Petals and sepals also are fused forming a sharp helmet.

It is not easy to differenciate Anacamptis coriophora subspecies. Subspecies fragrans offers a pleasant fragrance and generally shows a short spur and a lip almost vertically raised with central lobe longer than the lateral ones.

This species can be found in quite dry grass.
Hypochrome specimens are quite common.

It blooms from April to June. A. coriophora is protected on the whole French territory.