Odontites vernus - Red Bartsia

This semi-parasitic plant is widespread in grassland and waste-ground. It can grow to be large, but usually has this four-square appearance when viewed from above.

Yellow Bartsia belongs to a different but related family.

This shows the alternating pairs of leaves clearly. Odontites vernus NS6258 14July23 PW

Looking down you see the leaves alternating in opposite pairs. This appearance can persist throughout the winter after it has died back. Odontites vernus NS6258 14July23 PW

It often has this reddish tinge in the stem and leaves Odontites vernus NS7151 17Aug2017 PW

The hairy, reddish stem and alternating pairs of hairy, strap-like leaves. Odontites vernus NS7151 17Aug2017 PW

In longer grass, it can just be “messy”. Odontites vernus NS7151 17Aug2017 PW

Odontites vernus NS6763 5Aug18 CJ

This shows the alternating pairs of leaves clearly.

Odontites vernus NS6258 14July23 PW

Looking down you see the leaves alternating in opposite pairs. This appearance can persist throughout the winter after it has died back.

Odontites vernus NS6258 14July23 PW

It often has this reddish tinge in the stem and leaves

Odontites vernus NS7151 17Aug2017 PW

The hairy, reddish stem and alternating pairs of hairy, strap-like leaves.

Odontites vernus NS7151 17Aug2017 PW

In longer grass, it can just be “messy”.

Odontites vernus NS7151 17Aug2017 PW