Clustered Broomrape
Orobanche fasciculata
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States
Stan Shebs
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Orobanchaceae
- Genus:
- Orobanche
- Species:
- Orobanche fasciculata
- USDA Symbol:
- ORFA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 15 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, purple, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Variable checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- As a root parasite, it can regenerate from host plant regrowth following fire in sagebrush and prairie ecosystems.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- parasitic plant, often found in arid regions
Propagation & Germination
- Notes:
- Parasitic plant requiring host roots (typically Artemisia, Eriogonum, or other Asteraceae) for germination and growth; seeds germinate in response to chemical signals from host roots.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI