Scientific Family
Orobanchaceae
Synonyms
Aphyllon cooperi, Myzorrhiza cooperi, Orobanche ludoviciana
Other common names
burro weed strangler
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
To 15 inches
Riparian
No
Annual parasite found growing on bursage roots and other composites; above ground stem is purple-brown.
Corolla lobes pointed; anthers hairy; flowers on short stalks and subtended by bracts.
Habitat
Sandy deserts and washes, oak woodlands.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
200
High elevation
5000
Flower Characteristics
Bilateral, 2-lobed upper lip and 3-lobed lower lip, to 1 inch long; many on erect cone-like spike.
Flower color
Purplish
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
February
Last bloom month
August
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves reduced to scales, alternate but tending to form a series of tight spirals along stems.
Leaf type
Other
Leaf color
Purplish-brown
Leaf shape
Other
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit type
Capsule
Numerous and minute.