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Cressler, Alan

Epifagus virginiana

Epifagus virginiana (L.) W.P.C. Barton

Beechdrops

Orobanchaceae (Broom-Rape Family)

Synonym(s): Leptamnium virginianum

USDA Symbol: EPVI2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

A parasitic plant with unbranched to many-branched, brownish-tan stems and buff-brown or dull magenta flowers in axils of scattered dry scales.

As the genus name, from the Greek epi ("upon") and phagos ("beech") implies, this annual plant is found under beech trees (Fagus grandifolia), where it grows on and receives nourishment from the roots. The flowers are delicately marked and worth a close-up look with a hand lens. Dried stalks often persist all winter under the trees.

From the Image Gallery

26 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Annual
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 20 inches tall.
Fruit: Brown

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink , Yellow , Purple
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: NB , NS , ON , PE
Native Distribution: Ontario east to Nova Scotia, south to Florida, west to Texas, and north to Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Native Habitat: Woods, under beech trees.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Web Reference

Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Epifagus virginiana in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Epifagus virginiana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Epifagus virginiana

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-04-25
Research By: TWC Staff

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