Slender annual semi-parasite of grass roots, with hooded yellow flowers and inflated seed capsules. The single most useful plant for establishing wildflower meadows.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 3–8 | −40 °C to −6.7 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 3–8 | −34 °C to −1 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–5 | −15 °C to 10 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
As a tender annual, Yellow rattle doesn't overwinter — the zone range shows where the growing season supports it. See the RHS rating for its actual cold tolerance.
Growing notes
- Semi-parasitic on grass roots — weakens vigorous grasses and lets slower wildflowers establish, the cornerstone of any meadow conversion
- Flowers in June, then ripens rattling seed pods that give the plant its name
- Sow fresh seed in autumn into mown, raked grass — needs winter chilling to germinate
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Yellow rattle against your zones