Cow wheat (Melampyrum nemorosum) seeds

Cow wheat is a hemiparasite from the Orobanchaceae family. Although it has fully functional roots and leaves it prefers to attach roots to host and suck nutrients from it. Because of that it helps to increase the diversity of habitat by not letting any single species to completely dominate.

It has intense yellow flowers and violet upper leaves. The height of the plant is up to 50cm. The flowers attract bumblebees.

Cow wheat is annual plant. Seeds are propagated by ants. It prefers half-shadow and moist soil but can grow well in dry places too.