ExplorePlants

Wood Cow-wheat

Melampyrum nemorosum

Wood Cow-wheat is a special plant that grows in shady forests. It has beautiful yellow flowers that attract bees and butterflies, making it a lovely sight in nature.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Wood Cow-wheat has vibrant yellow, tubular flowers often topped by brilliant purple, leaf-like bracts. These striking colours make it easily stand out against the green forest undergrowth. Its slender stem holds these distinctive blooms in a visually captivating arrangement.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyOrobanchaceaeGenusMelampyrum
Wood Cow-wheat
flowering trait badgebiennial trait badgecluster_flower trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badge
Wood Cow-wheat

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its seeds can stay buried in the soil for years, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to sprout!

Its vibrant purple "leaves" aren't petals at all; they're special bracts attracting busy insect visitors!

The plant's old name, "Cow-wheat," might come from its seeds looking like miniature wheat grains!

This plant completes its entire life cycle, from tiny seed to new seeds, all within a single year!

Special abilities

Ability

Root Tapper

Wood Cow-wheat can secretly tap into the roots of nearby plants, drawing extra water and nutrients to help it grow stronger.

Ability

Ant Snack Provider

Wood Cow-wheat has special seeds with a fatty treat that attracts ants, who then carry them away to new growing spots.

Ability

Colourful Beacon

Wood Cow-wheat has bright purple bracts that act like a visual signal, making its yellow flowers super easy for pollinators to spot.

Measurements & details

Height
10-60 cm
Spread
10-20 cm
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Annual
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

parasitizes

European Beech

Fagus sylvatica

draws nutrients from its roots

pollinates

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

provides nectar to this busy bee

depends on

Red Wood Ant

Formica rufa

for spreading its seeds to new spots

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch plants unless you're sure they're safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Wood Cow-wheat?

10-60 cm

How wide does Wood Cow-wheat spread?

10-20 cm

How big are the flowers on Wood Cow-wheat?

1-2 cm

When does Wood Cow-wheat bloom?

Summer

Is Wood Cow-wheat edible?

No

Is Wood Cow-wheat toxic?

None

What is Wood Cow-wheat's lifecycle?

Annual

How is Wood Cow-wheat pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Plants