Rhinanthus minor - Yellow-rattle - (Scrophulariaceae)

This plant is widespread throughout the UK and Ireland, but it does not tolerate the introduction of fertilisers and other modern farming chemicals to the soil. It grows in undisturbed and unimproved grasslands and is, therefore, an excellent indicator that other special plants may be present - in particular wild orchids.

When the wind blows in the autumn, the seeds rattle inside the sepal tubes (seed pods) of this strange plant of grassy slopes and wildflower meadows; hence its common name. It has also been accorded other names that refer to the rattling of the seeds including 'Pots and Pans' and 'Hay Rattle'.

Yellow-rattle

From May to September is the flowering period for Yellow Rattle.

Flowers of Yellow-rattle

Yellow-rattle is semi-parasitic and depends on other plants to supply some of its nutrients.

Seed heads of Yellow-rattle

Pictured above are the seedheads of Yellow-rattle. When blown by the wind the seeds inside make a rattling noise.

The plants on this page were photographed at Kenfig National Nature Reserve in South Wales in June and July.