Contents
Description:
Rhinanthus Alectorolophus, commonly known as Yellow Rattle or Hay Rattle, is a flowering plant belonging to the Orobanchaceae family. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 60 cm tall and is native to Europe and Asia. This plant has a unique feature that allows it to parasitize the roots of other plants, making it a partial root parasite. Yellow Rattle is known to have a symbiotic relationship with many grasses and is often used for meadow management.
Taxonomic Information:
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Rhinanthus |
Appearance:
The leaves of Yellow Rattle are lance-shaped and hairy, and the flowers are yellow with a small purple spot on the lower lip. The flowers bloom from May to September and are arranged in loose spikes. The plant has a distinctive rattle sound when the seeds are mature and shaken. Yellow Rattle is an attractive plant that adds beauty to any landscape with its bright yellow flowers.
Care Guide:
Yellow Rattle requires moderate watering, and the soil should be well-drained. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9. Fertilization is not necessary for Yellow Rattle, as it is a parasitic plant that obtains its nutrients from the host plants. However, it is essential to manage the meadow to provide the necessary nutrients and to avoid overcrowding.
Common Pests & Diseases:
Yellow Rattle is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it may be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or rust. These diseases can be controlled by removing the infected plant parts and treating the plant with a fungicide. It is also essential to maintain proper air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent fungal infections.
Habitat:
Yellow Rattle thrives in meadows and grasslands and has a symbiotic relationship with many grasses. It is often used for meadow management, as it can reduce the grass growth and promote the growth of other wildflowers. This plant is commonly found in Europe and Asia and can be grown in gardens and landscapes for its beautiful flowers.
Question and Answer:
1. What is the unique feature of Yellow Rattle?
Ans: Yellow Rattle is a partial root parasite that parasitizes the roots of other plants.
2. What is the ideal growing condition for Yellow Rattle?
Ans: Yellow Rattle prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
3. What is the blooming period of Yellow Rattle?
Ans: The flowers of Yellow Rattle bloom from May to September.
4. What is the habitat of Yellow Rattle?
Ans: Yellow Rattle thrives in meadows and grasslands and has a symbiotic relationship with many grasses.
Related Plants:
- Rhinanthus Minor
- Rhinanthus Crista-Galli
- Rhinanthus Serotinus
- Rhinanthus Angustifolius
References:
- “Rhinanthus Alectorolophus.” Plants for a Future. Accessed 18 June 2021, https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rhinanthus+alectorolophus.
- “Rhinanthus Alectorolophus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 18 June 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b609.
- “Yellow Rattle.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 18 June 2021, https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/47213/rhinanthus-alectorolophus/details.
