Yellow Rattle - Rhinanthus minor
Rhinanthus minor
2024 Harvest - South of England seed.
Use yellow rattle to restrict the growth of perennial grasses and allow other native species to compete. We can supply yellow rattle seed which should be used at a rate of 5g per square metre in the autumn over scarified grass. Please contact us for more information.
Rhinanthus minor
2024 Harvest - South of England seed.
Use yellow rattle to restrict the growth of perennial grasses and allow other native species to compete. We can supply yellow rattle seed which should be used at a rate of 5g per square metre in the autumn over scarified grass. Please contact us for more information.
Rhinanthus minor
2024 Harvest - South of England seed.
Use yellow rattle to restrict the growth of perennial grasses and allow other native species to compete. We can supply yellow rattle seed which should be used at a rate of 5g per square metre in the autumn over scarified grass. Please contact us for more information.
Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor) is a semi-parasitic wildflower commonly found in meadows and grasslands across the UK. This annual plant typically grows to a height of 30–70 cm and is characterised by its distinctive yellow flowers that bloom from May to August.
The flowers are tubular and are often tinged with purple, appearing in clusters at the top of the stem. Its leaves are lance-shaped and arranged alternately along the stem. One of the notable features of yellow rattle is its ability to gather nutrients from the roots of neighbouring plants, particularly grasses. This parasitic behaviour helps to suppress the growth of dominant grass species, allowing a wider range of wildflowers to flourish in its habitat.
Yellow rattle seeds are dispersed primarily by the wind and can remain dormant in the soil for several years before germinating. It prefers well-drained, nutrient-poor soils and is often associated with traditional hay meadows, where it plays a beneficial role in promoting biodiversity.
The plant is not only significant for wildlife, providing nectar for a range of insects, but also plays a role in the management of grassland ecosystems. Its presence can indicate a healthy meadow habitat, and it is often used in conservation efforts aimed at restoring wildflower-rich grasslands.
