Himantoglossum hircinum is an extremely variable species.

Over 30 variants have been described from the relatively small German state of Thuringia alone. This species has a large distribution area that covers large parts of Europe and North Africa, so the overall variability of the species is probably an order of magnitude higher than that from Thuringia alone.

In comparison to many other plants, orchids receive an enormous amount of attention, which is unfortunately often reflected in the countless described and taxonomically irrelevant variants that are ultimately all connected to normal plants through transitional forms.

Himantoglossum hircinum var. aestivalis may have a certain taxonomic and ecological relevance, as these plants are characterized by a later flowering time (about 4 weeks after the rest of the species) and are therefore at least partially ecologically isolated from the rest of the species. In addition, these plants have a looser inflorescence. However, this variety, described in 2013, is also not currently recognized.