Odontites vernus

RHS Plant Profile
red bartsia
red bartsia RHS

Other common names

hen gorse, red eyebright cow wheat, gorudd

Synonyms

Euphrasia serotina
Euphrasia odontites
Bartsia odontites
Odontites vulgaris

Annual Biennial

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Orobanchaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
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