Purple leaves and yellow flowers, verge plant

[Abi]

Can anybody help ID this - found growing all over verges in Estonia on holiday! Thank you! Seems that fresh leaves are purple in colour (although I also spotted the very odd albino form) but gradually that purple fades to green, as the leaves also change shape as they grow older!

[goosey]

Hi Abi, don't get excited I haven't come to ID your plant but ask a question, are the yellow flowers part of the same plant?

It is most un usual isn't it but does put me in mind of nettles.

Welcome to WATW, I hope you get your answer and see you around soon .

PS. Sorry what a dumbo I am, I now see you mention the flowers in the title!

[Ferret]

Hi Abi, I think it's a Cow-wheat possibly Melampyrum nemorosum have a look here Melampyrum nemorosum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and see what you think.

Ferret

[chris butterworth]

Melampyrum nemerosum is right. The yellow 'bits' are the actual flowers while the purple 'bits' are bracts. Stunning plant, I wish we had it on the Wirral.

Chris

BTW. Welcome to WAW Abi ( I'm usually the last to say it )

C