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Description
Rhinanthus Angustifolius, also known as Yellow Rattle or Cockscomb, is a species of flowering plant in the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to Europe and western Asia and is commonly found in meadows, grasslands, and other open areas. This annual plant grows up to 30 cm tall and has a yellow inflorescence. It blooms from June to September and produces small, oval-shaped seeds that rattle in their pods when ripe.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Rhinanthus |
Appearance
Rhinanthus Angustifolius has slender stems with lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 5 cm long. Its yellow inflorescence is made up of small flowers that are arranged in a spike-like cluster. The flowers have five lobes and are around 1 cm long. The plant’s small, oval-shaped seeds are brown in color and have a ridged texture. When mature, the seeds rattle in their pods, giving the plant its common name of Yellow Rattle.
Care Guide
Rhinanthus Angustifolius is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, but can also tolerate full sun. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells, and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once a month. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rhinanthus Angustifolius is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust if grown in damp conditions. To prevent these diseases, ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
Rhinanthus Angustifolius is commonly found in meadows, grasslands, and other open areas. It is a hemiparasitic plant, meaning that it obtains some of its nutrients from the roots of neighboring plants. Yellow Rattle is often used as a natural way to control grass growth in meadows and pastures, as its parasitic nature weakens the grass and allows other plant species to thrive.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Rhinanthus Angustifolius a perennial or annual plant?
A: Rhinanthus Angustifolius is an annual plant.
Q: Can Rhinanthus Angustifolius grow in full sun?
A: Yes, Rhinanthus Angustifolius can tolerate full sun but prefers partial shade.
Q: What is the best time to sow Rhinanthus Angustifolius seeds?
A: The best time to sow Rhinanthus Angustifolius seeds is in the fall.
Q: Is Rhinanthus Angustifolius a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Rhinanthus Angustifolius is a good plant for attracting bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Rhinanthus Minor
- Rhinanthus Crista-galli
- Rhinanthus Serotinus
- Rhinanthus Alectorolophus
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Rhinanthus angustifolius. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287890&isprofile=0&
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. (n.d.). Rhinanthus angustifolius. Retrieved from http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:810501-1
- The Wildlife Trusts. (n.d.). Yellow Rattle. Retrieved from https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/yellow-rattle
