Aphyllon californicum subsp. californicum
Photo: parent species Aphyllon californicum · (c) Jo "Cirque" Stormer, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Aphyllon californicum subsp. californicum is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family.
california broomrape is a California native parasitic perennial found in coastal regions in sandy or heavy soils of coastal bluffs at elevations below 150 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces pale to pink-purple flowers with lips 22 to 45 millimeters long, featuring a throat that abruptly widens. Growing 5 to 27 centimeters tall with generally branched stems, it appears pale to pink-purple above ground. Its plant structure is characterized by compact, head-like or round-topped inflorescences less than 8 centimeters wide, with distinctive purple-hued flower lips. The plant exhibits an unusual parasitic growth habit, drawing nutrients from host plants through specialized root structures.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Sandy or heavy soils of coastal bluffs, generally on
Elevation: < 150 m
Bloom period
Aphyllon californicum subsp. californicum blooms Jun-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Orobanche: Aphyllon and Orobanche are now considered the same genus; check current taxonomy.; vs Oenothera: Aphyllon is parasitic without green leaves; Oenothera has normal green leaves and grows independently.; vs Kopsiopsis: Aphyllon is hairy with separated bracts; Kopsiopsis is hairless with tightly overlapping bracts.; vs Pholisma: Aphyllon has upright purple flower spikes; Pholisma has round white flower heads at ground level.; vs Diplacus: Aphyllon is parasitic without green leaves; Diplacus has normal green leaves and colorful snapdragon flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aphyllon californicum subsp. californicum native to California?
Yes. Aphyllon californicum subsp. californicum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Aphyllon californicum subsp. californicum bloom?
Aphyllon californicum subsp. californicum blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Aphyllon californicum subsp. californicum belong to?
Aphyllon californicum subsp. californicum is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Aphyllon.
What habitat does Aphyllon californicum subsp. californicum grow in?
Aphyllon californicum subsp. californicum grows in Uncommon. Sandy or heavy soils of coastal bluffs, generally on.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.