Narrowleaf Cow Wheat

Narrowleaf Cow Wheat (Melampyrum lineare) is in the broomrape family family (Orobanchaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,195 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in July.

Nationally it blooms mainly from June to August, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.

When to photograph Narrowleaf Cow Wheat: observations by month (U.S.)

About Narrowleaf Cow Wheat

Melampyrum lineare, commonly called the narrowleaf cow wheat, is an herbaceous plant in the family Orobanchaceae. It is native to North America, where it is found in southern Canada and the northern United States, with an extension south in the Appalachian Mountains. It has a wide habitat tolerance, but is usually found in drier and somewhat exposed woodlands.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Narrowleaf Cow Wheat by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related wildflowers (broomrape family)

Warrior's PlumePedicularis densiflora

Canadian lousewortPedicularis canadensis

Purple Owl's-CloverCastilleja exserta

Mediterranean lineseedBellardia trixago

American cancer-rootConopholis americana

Felt PaintbrushCastilleja foliolosa

Texas PaintbrushCastilleja indivisa

One-Flowered Cancer-RootAphyllon uniflorum

Photography tips

• Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
• Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
• Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
• Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.

FAQ