Other pictures of this plant:

               Seedpod                                           Leaf                                            Stem                                        Seed                                          Habit

               Seedling

Facts About this Plant:

Synonyms: Leptamnium virginianum
Lifespan: Annual
Zones: N/A
Type: Forb
Bloom Time: August - November
Status: Native
Range:


Epifagus virginiana, or Beechdrops, is native to much of the Eastern United States. It is a parasitic annual that grows only in Beech forests, as it must use Beech trees as its host. It does not have chlorophyll and can grow in deep shade. It blooms from late summer to late fall, with small white, purple and brown flowers.

This plant is the only member of its genus and is easily recognized by its small purple-white flowers, the overall brownness of the plant and the fact that it will only be found growing directly under Beech trees.

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