Rhinanthus (Yellow-rattles) Family: Orobanchaceae
R.minor is our only native Rhinanthus species. It is quite variable, particularly in the extent of branching, arrangement of leaves, hairiness and flowering time - this variation somewhat determined by habitat - lowland grassland, upland grassland, fens. The English name comes from the ripe seed rattling inside the inflated fused sepals. R.angustifolius (Greater Yellow-rattle) is a very rare introduction (Surrey). Both are semi-parasitic. R.minor has the lower lip of the flower down-turned and the stigma protruding only a little from the mouth. R.angustifolius has the lower lip horizontal and the stigma protruding distinctly.