Common Cow-wheat
melampyrum pratense
Also known as: ["Field Cow-wheat","Yellow Cow-wheat"]
Overview
A herbaceous annual or biennial plant in the family Orobanchaceae, known for its yellow flowers and parasitic growth habit.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus: | Melampyrum |
| Botanical Name: | Melampyrum pratense |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: woodland garden, shaded border, or naturalized area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed during active growth; deadhead flowers after blooming.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sunlight to avoid scorching. For indoor plants, place near an east or north-facing window. Outdoor plants benefit from dappled shade during peak afternoon sun.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct midday sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Use a mix of potting soil, perlite, and compost; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–70°F (15–21°C). Tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions but avoids extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent cool temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stems or clumps.
- Prepare cuttings or divisions.
- Plant in appropriate medium.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture for cuttings.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; moist, loose soil for division.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 3–6 weeks; division establishes quickly if done during active growth.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or snip spent flowers just above a leaf node or healthy bud.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged growth; remove spent flowers; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter).
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, typically in spring.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water at the base; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting the foliage. Water until the soil is evenly moist but not saturated, and allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth in spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf discoloration or dieback, especially if combined with wet soil.
Solution: Protect from frost; ensure well-drained soil to prevent cold-induced root rot; move potted plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering, especially if combined with dry soil.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase before fertilizing; dilute fertilizer correctly; avoid over-fertilization; stop in dormant periods.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are susceptible to liver damage from the pyrrolizidine alkaloids present in Melampyrum pratense. Chronic ingestion poses a greater risk than acute exposure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Melampyrum pratense can lead to liver toxicity in dogs, particularly with repeated exposure. Acute poisoning is rare but possible.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicMelampyrum pratense contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage upon chronic ingestion. The toxic effects are primarily associated with prolonged exposure rather than acute toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Melampyrum pratense toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: How does Melampyrum pratense grow?
A: It is a parasitic plant that often grows on the roots of other plants.
Q: Does Melampyrum pratense attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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