Cow-wheat

Cow-wheat (Melampyrum), a genus of Scrophulariaceæ, of which the deep-furrowed two-celled capsule somewhat resembles a grain of wheat. They are annual weeds, growing in woods, corn-fields, and pastures, and are eaten by cattle. Being root-parasites, they grow on the roots of other plants. M. pratense is common in Europe and North America.