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.

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