Rainton Meadows - Yellow flower ID

[rscott74]

I went for a walk around Rainton Meadows today. It was surprising how many new plants were in flower - no doubt thw warmer weather and some rain had helped. I found this one which has, in my view a structural likeness to Betony and I thought it might be Archangel. Looking at the book I can't reach an ID among Dead Nettles, the leaves are wrong for Archangel. Can anyone assost with ID please?

[mrs fish]

I think it might be Yellow Rattle , Rhinanthus minor

[Adam Cheeseman]

Certainly is!

Cheers,

Adam

[rscott74]

Thanks for assistance. I was barking up the wrong tree, or flower in this case. Again this is new to me as I only started looking closely at wild flower about a year ago. This was one of those occasions when you notice something that you haven't seen before then find it everywhere. It was widespread around Rainton Meadows today.

[mrs fish]

I have never seen it but looked at it in books for a long time

[whis4ey]

Apparently Yellow Rattle is somewhat of a parasite, as it attaches itself onto the roots of grass thereby restricting the growth of the grass, and allowing wild flowers to find space to grow
It is one of the common additions to wildflower mix for this reason, and certainly was a part of the recent seed mix which i have sowed in my own wild flower meadow
Unfortunately, because of the recent very dry may, I have yet to see any growth .......
(Not too often I look for rain )

[rscott74]

The information above may explain its presence. Rainton Meadows was a former open cast/colliery site which is now developing well under the Durham Wildlife Trust and may have been seeded in parts.
If any colleagues are in the area I think its worth a visit. A search on the net will give more details. It has a number of habitats and ponds to provide interest for most people it also has a visitors centre.

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by mrs fish

I have never seen it but looked at it in books for a long time

I can show it to you up my way if you're this way Teresa

[Jez]

Originally Posted by whis4ey

Apparently Yellow Rattle is somewhat of a parasite, as it attaches itself onto the roots of grass thereby restricting the growth of the grass, and allowing wild flowers to find space to grow
It is one of the common additions to wildflower mix for this reason, and certainly was a part of the recent seed mix which i have sowed in my own wild flower meadow
Unfortunately, because of the recent very dry may, I have yet to see any growth .......
(Not too often I look for rain )

I'm somewhat puzzled as to why Hay Rattle is included in meadow seed mixes. They are annuals, so if for the first year your meadow needs constant mowing, then this plant isn't going to get the chance to flower and sow it's seed, the end result being pointless?!

[whis4ey]

My information is that the meadow is only mown twice a year ... once in August after the flowers go to seed, and once in March to allow for growth
The grass is lifted on each occasion (after being allowed to settle to distribute the seed), as to allow it to lie would overly fertilise the soil
Wildflowers prefer a less fertile soil which also helps inhibit grass growth
Apparently hay making (the old way) was ideal for effectively retaining a wildflower meadow. The cut and then the hay stacks helping to spread the seed of the annuals, and then the hay being taken away to allow for subsequent germination the following year
I will let you know how it goes later this year