What is the native range of Melampyrum sylvaticum?
Melampyrum sylvaticum is native to Europe and western Asia.
Small Cow-Wheat (Melampyrum sylvaticum)
Small Cow-Wheat
Small Melampyrum
Wood Cow-Wheat
Wood Melampyrum
Small Cow-wheat (Melampyrum sylvaticum) is a semi-parasitic herbaceous plant native to Europe and western Asia, found in woodlands.
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Partial Shade
Watering
Moderate
Soil
Acidic
Temperature
Moderate
Fertilizer
Low
Care Requirements
Light Requirements
Partial Shade
Thrives in dappled shade or light shade.
Watering Needs
Moderate
Prefers consistently moist soil.
Soil
Acidic
Temperature Tolerance
Moderate
Prefers cooler temperatures, but tolerates moderate heat if soil is kept moist.
Fertilizer Needs
Low
Not a heavy feeder; minimal fertilization required.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Place Type
Garden
Lifespan
Annual
Plant Height
0.1-0.3 m
Spread
0.1-0.3 m
Growth Rate
Moderate
Dormancy
None
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Lobed
Optimal Sunlight Lux
1500
Image Gallery
Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Sep
FloweringFruiting
Synonyms
Melampyrum aestivale Ronniger & Schinz
Melampyrum alpestre Pers.
Melampyrum carpaticum Schult.
Melampyrum dentatum Schur
Melampyrum intermedium E.P.Perrier & Songeon
Melampyrum laricetorum A.Kern. ex Dalla Torre
Melampyrum nanum Fritsch
Melampyrum subsilvaticum Schinz & Ronniger
Melampyrum transsilvanicum Schur
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderLamiales
- familyOrobanchaceae
- genusMelampyrum
- speciesMelampyrum sylvaticum
Toxicity
Toxic for humans
No
Rating: 0/5
Toxic for pets
No
Rating: 0/5
None
Additional Care Tips
Melampyrum sylvaticum prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate short periods of dryness once established. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in warmer months. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Aim for even moisture without saturation.
Pruning is generally not required for Melampyrum sylvaticum. Dead or damaged stems can be removed at any time to maintain appearance. Light trimming after flowering can help prevent excessive self-seeding if it becomes a concern.
Melampyrum sylvaticum can be propagated by seed, which often requires a period of cold stratification. Sow seeds outdoors in autumn or in a cold frame. It can also be propagated by division of established clumps in early spring.
Repotting is rarely necessary for Melampyrum sylvaticum, as it is often grown as a groundcover or in naturalistic settings. If transplanting is required, do so in early spring or autumn, ensuring the root ball is kept intact.
FAQs
What type of environment does Melampyrum sylvaticum prefer?
It prefers woodland environments with acidic soil conditions.
Is Melampyrum sylvaticum a parasitic plant?
Yes, Melampyrum sylvaticum is hemiparasitic, meaning it partially parasitizes other plants.
What are the characteristic features of Melampyrum sylvaticum?
It is a herbaceous plant with small, often yellowish flowers, typically found growing in shady woodland habitats.
What is the meaning of 'Cow-wheat' in the common name?
The 'Cow-wheat' part of the name is thought to refer to the small, seed-like appearance of its fruits, which were historically considered edible for cattle, though this is not a primary characteristic.