Yellow Rattle, Little yellow rattle, Arctic rattlebox
Rhinanthus minor
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Rhinanthus minor is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Grassland. There are various sub-species that grow on basic or calcareous soils.
Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to Spain, W. Siberia and the Caucasus.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is ophthalmic.
Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.
Other
Rating: 1
A bright yellow dye is obtained from the leaves.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
How it is grown
A semi-parasitic plant of grass, it can be grown in a meadow.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest either sowing the seed in situ in a lawn or meadow or, if seed is in short supply, sowing it in a pot of turf in a cold frame. It is probably best to sow as soon as the seed is ripe but a spring sowing can also be tried.
Best place to grow: Meadow;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
This plant might be poisonous to livestock.