European yellow rattle (Rhinanthus alectorolophus, Hist. Pl. Palat. 2: 177 (1777))

Family: Orobanchaceae

Author: (Scop.) Pollich

Bibliography: Hist. Pl. Palat. 2: 177 (1777)

Year: 1777

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rhinanthus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe

Description

European yellow rattle, known scientifically as Rhinanthus alectorolophus, is a notable species within the family Orobanchaceae. First described in 1777, this plant has a fascinating ecological role and historical significance in Europe, where it is predominantly found.

Characterized by its striking yellow flowers, the European yellow rattle is a hemiparasitic plant. This means it partially relies on other host plants for nutrients, connecting to their roots via specialized structures called haustoria. Despite this reliance, it still performs photosynthesis, which sets it apart from fully parasitic plants.

In terms of its ecological contributions, Rhinanthus alectorolophus plays a crucial role in grassland environments. By parasitizing dominant grasses, it helps to reduce their abundance, thereby encouraging biodiversity by allowing less competitive species to thrive. This process improves the overall health and resilience of the ecosystem.

Historically, the European yellow rattle has been used in traditional agriculture practices. Farmers recognized its ability to decrease vigorous grasses, making it easier to manage and harvest hayfields. This plant thus represents a fascinating intersection between natural ecology and human agricultural practices.

Understanding Rhinanthus alectorolophus underscores the importance of plant diversity and interdependence within ecosystems. Its unique parasitic characteristics and historical utility in agriculture highlight its significant role in both natural and managed landscapes across Europe.

Common Names

Eng: european yellowrattle, greater yellow-rattle
Dan: lådden skjaller
Deu: zottiger klappertopf
Nld: harige ratelaar
Swe: luddskallra, villalaukku
Fra: rhinanthe velu
Fin: villalaukku
En: European yellow rattle, European yellowrattle, Greater yellow-rattle, European Yellow-rattle
Cs: Kokrhel luštinec
Da: Lådden skjaller
Nl: Harige ratelaar, Rhinantus alectorolophus
Eo: Haroza rinanto
Et: Villane robirohi
Fi: Villalaukku
Fr: Grand Rhinanthe, Rhinanthe Crête-de-coq, Rhinanthe velu
De: Zotten-Klappertopf, Zottiger Klappertopf
It: Cresta di gallo comune
Pl: Szelężnik włochaty
Sk: Štrkáč kohútikový
Sv: Luddskallra, Villalaukku
: Greater yellow rattle

Synonyms

• Alectorolophus hirsutus ((Lam.) All.)
• Rhinanthus alectorolophus subvar. patulus ((Sterneck) Hartl)
• Alectorolophus arvensis (Semler)
• Alectorolophus modestus (Sterneck)
• Rhinanthus alectorolophus subsp. arvensis ((Semler) Schinz & Thell.)
• Rhinanthus alectorolophus subsp. buccalis ((Wallr.) Schinz & Thell.)
• Rhinanthus crista-galli subsp. humilior (Ehrh.)
• Rhinanthus crista-galli var. angustifolius (Gaudin)
• Rhinanthus crista-galli var. glaber (Gaudin)
• Rhinanthus major var. hirsutus ((Lam.) Velen.)
• Alectorolophus grandiflorus var. hirsutus ((Lam.) Rouy)
• Rhinanthus buccalis (Wallr.)
• Rhinanthus hirsutus (Lam.)
• Rhinanthus crista-galli var. pilosa (Gaudin)
• Rhinanthus ellipticus (Hausskn.)
• Rhinanthus facchinii (Chabert)
• Rhinanthus patulus ((Sterneck) Schinz & Thell.)
• Rhinanthus alectorolophus subsp. medius (Schinz & Thell.)
• Rhinanthus major subsp. hirsutus ((Lam.) Čelak.)
• Alectorolophus patulus (Sterneck)
• Rhinanthus alectorolophus subsp. patulus ((Sterneck) Soó)
• Rhinanthus alectorolophus subsp. kerneri (P.Fourn.)
• Mimulus alectorolophus (Scop.)
• Alectorolophus kerneri (Sterneck)
• Rhinanthus alectorolophus subsp. facchinii ((Chabert) P.Fourn.)
• Alectorolophus ellipticus ((Hausskn.) Sterneck)
• Alectorolophus facchinii ((Chabert) Sterneck)
• Rhinanthus alectorolophus subsp. modestus ((Chabert) P.Fourn.)
• Rhinanthus semleri ((Sterneck) Schinz & Thell.)
• Rhinanthus alectorolophus var. modestus (Chabert)
• Alectorolophus semleri (Sterneck)
• Alectorolophus grandiflorus var. modestus ((Chabert) Rouy)
• Rhinanthus alectorolophus var. wallrothii ((Rouy) Lambinon)
• Alectorolophus grandiflorus var. pubens (Wallr.)
• Alectorolophus grandiflorus var. wallrothii (Rouy)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Corse (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 10, 2018 by Heinz Gass (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 27, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2020 by Zioivan Beirut (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2020 by Sara Larva (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2019 by Berta Semar (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2022 by Laurent Des bois (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 12, 2020 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2017 by Bastien Jorigné (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Ulli Deucmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2020 by Sara Larva (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Baou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Paul HUGBART (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Henri SCORDIA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Pierre CAZES (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Claire SUTTER (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 20, 2020 by florence dustou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2019 by Ken Sedman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2021 by Marie-Claire Raoul (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3172045)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:808711-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rhinanthus alectorolophus (Scop.) Pollich)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Soil nutriments: 6