Red Bartsia is a
native
annual plant of the UK, typically found growing in grassland and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 40cm.
Bartsia is named after the botanist Bartsch. Red Bartsia is a coarsely hairy plant, with short green to red leaves, in opposing pairs, and has a reddish stem with a drooping habit. It is partially parasitic on neighbouring plant roots and can often be found growing amongst grasses.
Botanic classification and naming: Red Bartsia is a member of the Broomrape (Orobanchaceae) family. The genus name
'Odontites' identifies the plant as a False Bartsia and its species name 'vernus' means 'Spring plant'.
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