Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Orobanchaceae

Genus:

Buchnera

Species:

Buchnera americana

USDA Symbol:

BUAM

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual | Biennial | Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

90 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

purple, violet, white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Thrives in fire-maintained prairies and savannas; fire reduces competition from woody plants and maintains open habitat conditions.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

commonly found in open, grassy areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Hemiparasitic species requiring host plant roots (typically grasses) for establishment and long-term survival. Seeds need light for germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI