Native Plants
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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.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: PinkBloom Time: 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 , WVCanada: 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: yesAdditional resources
USDA: Find Epifagus virginiana in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Epifagus virginiana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Epifagus virginiana
Metadata
Record Modified: 2015-08-12Research By: TWC Staff