About
A native, annual wildflower, found throughout the British Isles but favouring the west and north. Narrow, tubular, yellow flowers are carried in widely spaced pairs on the upper half of the stem from late spring to early autumn, peaking in summer, and providing nectar for bees and food for caterpillars of the lead-coloured pug moth. Slender upright stems to about 50cm carry narrow, pointed leaves that are food for the caterpillars of the heath fritillary butterfly.
About the genus
Melampyrum is a genus of plants encompassing species that may be herbaceous, shrubby, or woody. They are grown for their ornamental flowers, foliage, or fruit, and vary in hardiness and cultural requirements
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationHas two subspecies found in different locations. The more common subsp. pratense occurs in open woodland, grassy clearings, scrub and moorland on acid soil; subsp. commutatum occurs on chalk or limestone soils in scrub, hedgerows or deciduous woodland. Both favour well-drained soil in a sunny or part-shaded position. It is a hemi-parasite, meaning it can photosynthesise but also derives some of its nourishment by parasitism, probably on the roots of woody plants. Consequently, it is likely to be difficult to establish away from its natural environment
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationNaturally propagates by seed, often spread by wood ants
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free