Melampyrum sylvaticum, commonly known as Small Cow-wheat, is an annual herb native to coniferous and mixed forests, as well as forest edges and clearings across Europe and parts of Asia. It is a hemiparasitic plant, deriving some of its nutrients from the roots of neighboring plants. Small Cow-wheat typically grows to a height of 10-30 cm and has a slender, unbranched stem. The leaves are lanceolate and arranged oppositely on the stem. The flowers are yellow, sometimes with a hint of purple, and bloom from June to August. They are arranged in a terminal spike and are modest in size but can be quite attractive when viewed up close.

Small Cow-wheat is not commonly cultivated but can be of interest for naturalistic plantings in woodland gardens, where it can blend with other shade-loving species. It prefers partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Due to its parasitic nature, it is not suitable for all garden settings and should be planted with consideration of its impact on other plants. It is not known for any significant horticultural problems but should be monitored for its spread, as it can become locally abundant in suitable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0