Melampyrum pratense, commonly known as Common Cow-wheat, is an annual herbaceous plant native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia, where it thrives in a variety of habitats including meadows, ancient woodlands, and forest clearings. It is particularly associated with well-drained, sandy or loamy soils in semi-shaded areas. The plant typically grows to a height of 15-50 cm and features lance-shaped leaves with spikes of yellow, tubular flowers that bloom from June to September, providing a modest yet attractive display.

Common Cow-wheat is valued for its ecological role, particularly in supporting the caterpillars of the heath fritillary butterfly, a species of conservation concern. Its seeds, equipped with an elaiosome, are dispersed by wood ants, a process known as myrmecochory. In cultivation, it can be used to create a naturalistic planting in woodland gardens or wildflower meadows. It requires minimal maintenance, thriving in part shade with moderate water and well-drained soils. While not commonly used in modern herbal medicine, it has a history of use in traditional Austrian medicine for treating rheumatism and blood vessel calcification. Gardeners should note that while it is not typically problematic, in some conditions it may self-seed prolifically.CC BY-SA 4.0