Seasonal Wild Flowers

Latin name

Melampyrum pratense

Family

Orobanchaceae

Flowering season

May to September

English distribution

It is found throughout the country but is less common in

the Midlands, East Anglia and parts of the Northeast.

For a map see the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland –

Common Cow-wheat

Habitat

It grows on heaths, moors, scrub and open deciduous

woodland on nutrient-poor acidic soils.

Description

Common Cow-wheat is native and hemiparasitic on roots.

It is an annual herb growing up to 60cm.

The flowers grow in pairs up the stem and face in the

same direction.

They are deep yellow and up to 18 mm. The corolla

tube is laterally compressed and the mouth is 2 lipped.

The upper lip is slightly fringed and the lower is 3-lobed.

The 4 stamens are hidden in the upper lip.

There is a single style and a stigma, also hidden.

Pollination is mainly by bees.

The calyx has 4 linear-lanceolate sepals.

Bracts are leaf-like with antler-like lobes.

Fruits are laterally compressed capsules and contain

only 4 large seeds.These are distributed by ants.

The leaves are opposite, narrow and pointed and up

to 10cm.

Stems are square with spreading branches.