Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
Tel/Fax: 01227 730242
Annual wild flower with yellow, hooded flowers on stems of nettle-like leaves. Also known as Cock�s Comb and Penny Grass. Member of the Figwort family. Seeds rattle inside the capsule when ripe (hence the plant�s name). Grows 5 � 18 ins (12 � 50 cm) high. As it is semi-parasitic on grass it is ideal for sowing amongst meadow grasses and wildflowers to help control grass growth.
Name comes from two Greek words meaning nose and flower, due to the projecting beak of the upper portion of the corolla. The plant is a partial parasite, getting its nourishment from grass roots and other nearby plants. Found in the wild in grassy areas and marshes.
Good for cough and dimness of sight. Food plant of the caterpillars of the Grass Rivulet moth.
To establish Yellow Rattle in grass
Cut the grass short , to a height of about 3 � 4 cm, scarify the surface area and sow the seed onto the surface. Approximately � - 1 gram per sq m will be sufficient. Sow from September to December after cutting or grazing the grass to be sown into, as the seed needs the cold of winter in order to germinate in spring (late February to early March). The plant then flowers in June and sets seed in July.
To sow � create gaps in the sward with exposed soil for the seed to germinate in. Push the seed in (the idea being to simulate the hooves of grazing stock which would push the seed into the soil). Do not cut the grass again until end July/August, when you should remove any cuttings. Autumn grazing or mowing is important in providing new sites for the Yellow Rattle to establish in the following spring. Bear in mind that Yellow Rattle establishment can be erratic so you may want to sow again the next autumn in order to try and get a population established.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*