Rhinanthus Minor
Contents
Description
Rhinanthus Minor, commonly known as yellow rattle or little yellow rattle, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. This annual plant typically grows to a height of 10-60 cm and has yellow flowers that bloom from May to October. It has a parasitic nature and grows by attaching its roots to the roots of other plants, mainly grasses.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Rhinanthus |
Appearance
The leaves of Rhinanthus Minor are narrow and lance-shaped, and they grow opposite each other on the stem. The flowers, which are bright yellow or sometimes white, have a distinctive hooded shape and bloom in clusters at the top of the stem. The plant has an erect growth habit and can be easily distinguished from other plants due to its unique appearance.
Care Guide
Rhinanthus Minor is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilization, but you can add a general-purpose fertilizer to the soil before planting.
- Soil: Rhinanthus Minor prefers well-draining soil, so make sure the soil is not too heavy or compacted.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade to full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: Rhinanthus Minor can grow in zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rhinanthus Minor is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, here are some common issues to look out for:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause it to wilt. Use insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
- Rust: This fungal disease can cause yellow-orange spots on the leaves. Remove any affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
Rhinanthus Minor is native to Europe and Asia and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, and grasslands. It is commonly used in wildflower mixes and can help to control the growth of grasses in these habitats.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Rhinanthus Minor a perennial plant?
A: No, Rhinanthus Minor is an annual plant.
Q: Can Rhinanthus Minor grow in full sun?
A: Yes, Rhinanthus Minor can grow in full sun, but it prefers partial shade.
Q: How tall does Rhinanthus Minor grow?
A: Rhinanthus Minor can grow to a height of 10-60 cm.
Q: Does Rhinanthus Minor require a lot of water?
A: Rhinanthus Minor prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged, so it does not require a lot of water.
Related Plants
- Rhinanthus Crista-galli
- Rhinanthus Alectorolophus
- Rhinanthus Minor ssp. Minor
- Rhinanthus Minor ssp. Groenlandicus
References
- “Rhinanthus Minor.” Plants For A Future. Accessed August 19, 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Rhinanthus+minor.
- “Rhinanthus Minor.” The Wildflower Garden. Accessed August 19, 2021. https://www.thewildflowergarden.co.uk/rhinanthus-minor-yellow-rattle.html.
