A yellow flower for ID

[jdoherty]

I took this photo on June 11th at Oxford Island, N.Ireland. It was growing amongst long grass in a meadow area. It was about 10 inches tall. ID anyone?

Thanks, John.

[IMG][/IMG]

[Wild-Woman]

Yellow rattle.

[Paul mabbott]

This is a hemiparasite - yellow rattle, Rhinanthus minor . There's vast amounts of it on the Dales at the moment. I'm not sure what it's parasitic on ....

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

This is a hemiparasite - yellow rattle, Rhinanthus minor . There's vast amounts of it on the Dales at the moment. I'm not sure what it's parasitic on ....

Certainly grasses which is why it's included in many wildflower meadow mixes to control grass vigour.

[jdoherty]

Thanks everyone for such prompt and informative replies.

Your help is very welcome and helps me to learn one small step at a time. At least I will now be able to recognis this plant whenever I see it.

John

[Paul mabbott]

Well, exactly - some plants, once seen, never forgotten.
Aeshna, thanks, yes I expected grasses I suppose, but I'd still be interested to know of any others hosts - or is it just a total generalist - taps into any root it comes across?

Originally Posted by jdoherty

Thanks everyone for such prompt and informative replies.
Your help is very welcome and helps me to learn one small step at a time. At least I will now be able to recognis this plant whenever I see it.
John

[Tiggrx]

Apparently clovers are also commonly used as host plants by Yellow-rattle

[thunder]

If you want to know why it's called Yellow Rattle, pick one where the flowers have finished and shake it!

henrya

[jdoherty]

Interesting to hear why it gets its name. I must look out for bit again and give it a 'rattle'.

John