Beechdrops

(Epifagus virginiana)

Beechdrops (Epifagus virginiana [L.] W. Bart.)

Identification: Plant parasitic on the roots of beech trees, lacking chlorophyll. Flowers yellowish white, reddish, or brown, scattered on the sides of a series of thin stalks. Flowers cylindrical, cuved, with projecting, pointed petal lobes. Stem branched with scalelike leaves. Plant 6 to 24 inches.

Distribution: Wisconsin in the west to Nova Scotia in the east, southward to Florida and Texas.

Habitat: Beechrops is found in woods where its hostplant beech occurs.

Flowering period: August to October.

Similar Species: Beechdrops might be confused with Branched Broomrape. Branched Broomrape is a smaller, squatter species (3 to 15 inches in height). The flowers are large, more intense in color, and have broad lobes with ragged edges. Beechdrops is found on beech trees in forest. Branched Broomrape is parasitic on herbaceous plants and is found in open areas such as fields and along roadsides.