This one is a proper wildflower. It is in flower everywhere at the moment so keep your eyes open for it.
Red Bartsia, Odontites vernus is partly parasitic. It draws nourishment from it’s own roots but also takes nutrients from the roots of nearby grasses.
A Tramp in the Woods 
Reblogged this on My Botanical Garden.
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Thanks for the reblog Tamara 🙂
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I like these little figwort flowers – so well designed for visiting insects.
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Thank you Clare 🙂
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I believe yellow rattle is also parasitic. In an area of meadow at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, the grasses where the yellow rattle grows are much shorter than the patch of meadow next to it where there is no yellow rattle.
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Thanks Joyce 🙂 These parasitic plants are fascinating. I have just been reading that encouraging Yellow Rattle in hay meadows increases biodiversity by restricting the grass growth and allowing other plants to flourish.
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I admire any plant that can make coffee. Red Barista, I’ll remember that when I’m miles from a town centre, and getting thirsty.
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Thank you Stephen 🙂 There is nothing like a nice espresso when you are miles from home 🙂
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