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.

Attribute Detail
Latin Name Rhinanthus minor
Flowering Time May – July
Flowering Height 20 – 50 cm
Life Cycle Annual
Sowing Rate 5.5kg per acre (13.6kg per hectare)
Sowing Period Autumn (requires winter cold to germinate)
Preferred Conditions Open, sunny, low-fertility grasslands
Pollinator Friendly Yes
Minimum Order Quantity 100g
Ideal For Wildflower meadows, restoration schemes, biodiversity projects