Overview
Melampyrum sylvaticum is a tufted annual biennial in the genus Melampyrum, part of the Orobanchaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Melampyrum sylvaticum grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and banks and slopes.
About
Melampyrum sylvaticum, commonly known as small cow wheat, is a tufted, deciduous plant from the Orobanchaceae family. It thrives in fertile, well-drained loam or sandy soils with acid to neutral pH, favouring sheltered spots in full or partial shade. Suitable for east, north, south, and west-facing aspects, it is hardy to UK zone H5. This species is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, and banks or slopes, with interest in spring and summer. Propagation is by seed.
About the genus
Melampyrum is a genus of about 20 species of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Orobanchaceae known commonly as cow wheat. They are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are hemiparasites on other plants, obtaining water and nutrients from host plants, though some are able to survive on their own without parasitising other plants.
Wikipedia contributors, "Melampyrum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Melampyrum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Melampyrum
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Melampyrum sylvaticum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Banks and slopes
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Melampyrum sylvaticum
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Melampyrum sylvaticum?
Melampyrum sylvaticum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Melampyrum sylvaticum need?
Melampyrum sylvaticum grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Melampyrum sylvaticum hardy in the UK?
Melampyrum sylvaticum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Melampyrum sylvaticum?
Seed.
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