Melampyrum pratense subsp. pratense
A native, annual wildflower, common throughout the British Isles but favouring the west and north. Slender, upright stems to about 50cm carry narrow, pointed leaves that are food for heath fritillary butterfly and lead-coloured pug moth caterpillars. Narrow, tubular, yellow flowers are carried in widely spaced pairs on the upper half of the stem from late spring to early autumn, peaking in summer and providing nectar for bees
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Orobanchaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
This, more common, subspecies is found in open woodland, grassy clearings, scrub and moorland on acid soil and favours well-drained soil in a sunny or part-shaded position. It is a hemi-parasite, meaning it can photosynthesise but also derives some of its nourishment by parasitism, probably on the roots of woody plants. Consequently, it is likely to be difficult to establish away from its natural environment
Propagation
Naturally propagates by seed, often spread by wood ants
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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