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Annual Biennial

Odontites vernus

red bartsia

An annual to 50cm tall with slender, upright, branched and downy stems bearing oblong to lance-shaped, toothed leaves up to 3cm long and pink, two-lipped flowers in summer. Commonly found growing wild in grasslands, this annual is semi-parasitic on grass roots

Other common names
red bartsia
red eyebright cow wheat
Synonyms
Euphrasia serotina
Euphrasia odontites
see moreBartsia odontites
Odontites vulgaris

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Orobanchaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in well-drained soils with low fertility and in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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