Lesser Broomrape

(Orobanche minor)

Lesser Broomrape (Orobanche minor Sm.)

Alien: Native of Europe.

Identification: Plant parasitic on the roots of clover, lacking chlorophyll. Plant unbranched. Flowers cylindrical, light violet, cylindrical, with broad, petal lobes. Flower arranged in a apical spike. Stem unbranched, dull white to yellow brown, covered with fine hairs. Leaves reduced to elongate scales. Plant 4 to 20 inches in height.

Distribution: New York to Florida along the Atlantic Coast. Also occurs in the Pacific North West.

Habitat: Lesser Broomrape is found in open areas with its host plants, clover.

Flowering period: April to July.

Similar Species: Branched Broomrape, as the name implies has a branched stem. The stem of Lesser Broomrape is unbranched.