Yellow Rattle

A new introduction this year to #ourwildpatch. In a prominent position just beyond the patio, in the partial shade of the Silver Birch is a small area of wildflowers and grass remaining uncut until seeds from the wildflowers have fallen.

This delightful small plant is a good source of nectar for the bees and as a semi-parasitic, it reduces the vigour of the grass. This leaves more space for other wildflowers awaiting to put in their appearance. As can be seen it takes its name from the yellow flower, which matures into seed pods which rattle in the breeze when dried.

It's coming along nicely, the third year of our experiment and as such, we're learning as we go.