Seasonal Wild Flowers

Red Bartsia

Odontites vernus

Scrophulariaceae

June to September

It is found throughout the country.

See the BSBI distribution map for Red Bartsia

It grows in short grass and bare areas such as tracks,

waste ground, fields and by the sea.

Red Bartsia is a native, annual, root-hemiparasite,

growing up to 50cm

The flowers are purplish pink tubes and approximately the

same length as the calyx (9mm).

The corolla is 2 lipped. The upper lip is entire and concave

and the lower lip has 3 lobes.

There are 4 stamens and a single, long, capitate style.

Flowers are in the axils of bracts, which are like the leaves

but smaller.

Stems are hairy and green to purple purple.

Leaves are dark green, hairy, lanceolate and toothed.

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Red Bartsia, Heysham Head, Lancs.

One-sided flower spike, exserted anthers.

Flowers from behind

Flowers in axils of bracts, 3-lobed lower lip

Purple stem and 4-toothed calyx

Fruit capsules, filiform styles

Leaves