Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor) is a key species for wildflower meadows, often referred to as the “meadow maker” due to its unique semi-parasitic nature. This annual wildflower attaches to the roots of nearby grasses and reduces their vigour, allowing a greater variety of wildflowers to flourish and creating a more diverse and balanced ecosystem.

With its bright yellow, bell-shaped flowers and characteristic seedpods that rattle when mature, Yellow Rattle is both ecologically important and visually appealing. It thrives in low-fertility soils and open, sunny grasslands, making it essential for wildflower meadow restoration, conservation schemes, and biodiversity projects.

Features & Benefits
Reduces grass dominance to promote wildflower diversity
Bright yellow flowers and distinctive rattling seed pods
Essential species for creating species-rich meadows
Supports bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators
Thrives in sunny, low-fertility meadows and grasslands

Latin Name:
Rhinanthus minor

Flowering Time:
May – July

Flowering Height:
20 – 50 cm

Life Cycle:
Annual

Wildflower Seed Approximate Sowing Rate:
5.5kg per acre (13.6kg per hectare)

Sowing Times:
Autumn (August – November) – requires winter cold to germinate

How to Sow & Preparation
Choose a sunny, open site with low to moderate fertility.
Cut grass short and remove clippings. Scarify or lightly harrow the surface to expose bare soil (at least 50% visible).
Broadcast the seed evenly onto the surface – do not cover.
Firm the soil by rolling or walking over it to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Yellow Rattle needs a period of cold to break dormancy, so sow in autumn for spring germination.
Management: Cut meadows in late summer once seeds have dropped to encourage regrowth and maintain species diversity.

About John Chambers Wildflower Seeds
John Chambers Wildflower Seeds has been a trusted supplier of native UK wildflower seeds for over 35 years. Known for its high-quality, locally sourced seed and outstanding customer service, John Chambers provides ecological solutions for landscape contractors, local authorities, and conservationists focused on creating sustainable, biodiverse landscapes.

Latin Name | Rhinanthus minor

Flowering Time | May – July

Flowering Height | 20 – 50 cm

Life Cycle | Annual

Sowing Rate | 5.5 kg per acre (13.6 kg per hectare)

Sowing Period | Autumn (August – November) – requires winter cold to germinate

Preferred Conditions | Open, sunny, low-fertility grasslands

Pollinator Friendly | Yes

Minimum Order Quantity | 10g

Ideal For | Wildflower meadows, restoration schemes, biodiversity projects