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Annual Biennial
Odontites vernus
hen gorse
An annual to 50cm tall with slender, upright, branched and downy stems bearing oblong to lance-shaped, toothed leaves up to 3cm long and pink, two-lipped flowers in summer. Commonly found growing wild in grasslands, this annual is semi-parasitic on grass roots
Other common names
red bartsiared eyebright cow wheat
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Orobanchaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in well-drained soils with low fertility and in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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