Yellow Rattle -Rhinanthus minor(also know as Hay Rattle) is a particularly interesting and attractive species that is useful when trying to establish wildflowers and increase biodiversity within a meadow. A semi-parasitic species, it draws nutrients through the roots of grasses and in doing so can help suppress grass growth. In the wild, Yellow Rattle grows in unimproved grassland and habitats include old hay meadows and pastures. It tolerates a wide range of soil types including those that are acid or alkaline but does need full sun in which to flourish. In gardens Yellow Rattle can be included in a summer wild flower meadow or flowering lawn where it attracts a wide range of insects such as bees and butterflies. Plants are low growing and have pretty yellow flowers that are at their peak by June. These are followed by papery seed cases. In a strong summer breeze, the seeds can be heard rattling inside, hence the plants name ! Yellow Rattle looks best grown alongside other summer flowering meadow plants such as Oxeye daisy, Musk Mallow, Meadow cranesbill, Knapweeds, Scabious, Clovers and Birdsfoot trefoil. Some alternative names for Yellow Rattle include Hay Rattle, Corn Rattle, Rattle grass, Rattle Penny, money grass, Penny grass and Baby’s Rattles.