Yellow Rattle is a
native
annual plant of the UK, typically found growing in grassland, hay meadow and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 50cm.
Yellow Rattle is named after the plant's dried seed cases, which sound like a rattle when the seeds move about on being shaken. The plant is partially parasitic on neighbouring plants and is often found growing amongst grasses.
Botanic classification and naming: Yellow Rattle is a member of the Broomrape (Orobanchaceae) family. The genus name
'Rhinanthus' identifies the plant as a Rattle and its species name 'minor' means 'small-sized plant'.
Benefits: Commonly used to help establish wildlife meadows, as it helps control the growth of grasses, allowing other species to grow alongside. The plant also attracts Bumble bees and caterpillars of the Grass Rivulet moth feed on this plant.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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