Rhinanthus minor
yellow rattle
An annual about 30-50cm tall with simple or branched stems bearing narrowly lance-shaped, nettle-like dark green leaves and tubular, 2-lipped yellow flowers with brown or purple teeth, within a bladdery, inflated calyx, the seeds rattling inside when ripe
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Orobanchaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Rhinanthus are annuals with opposite, toothed leaves and terminal, leafy spikes of tubular, 2-lipped flowers in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N Hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow as semi-parasitic plant amongst grasses in meadows or prairies where it will reduce the vigour of grasses
Propagation
Propagate by seed in late summer to the end of the year, or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Prairie planting
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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