Louisiana Broomrape
Orobanche ludoviciana
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States
fws.gov
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Orobanchaceae
- Genus:
- Orobanche
- Species:
- Orobanche ludoviciana
- USDA Symbol:
- ORLU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 40 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, yellow, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Rhagea packardella
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
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 on roots of host plants
Propagation & Germination
- Notes:
- Parasitic plant requiring host root exudates for germination; seeds germinate only in presence of suitable host plants such as Artemisia, Ambrosia, or other Asteraceae.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI