Yellow Rattle

Common name: Yellow Rattle

Scientific name: Rhinanthus crista-galli

Dimensions:
  Flower: ½-¾" (1-2 cm) long
  Plant height: 8-20" (10-50 cm)

Blooming period: June-September

Habitat: Fields, meadows, thickets

Description: Yellow flowers in upper leaf axils of hairy plants, forming vertical clusters on one side of the plant. The calyx forms a flat, rounded bladder-like pod with the 2-lipped flower emerging from its tip. The upper lip is hood-shaped, often tinged with violet; the lower lip is 3-lobed, spotted. Leaves opposite in pairs, narrowly triangular or oblong, ¾-2½" (2-6 cm) long, sharply toothed. The seeds of the mature plant rattle in the calyx when plant is shaken. Figwort family. (June 15)