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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
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

Get involved

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