Aphyllon californicum subsp. condensum
Photo: parent species Aphyllon californicum · (c) Jo "Cirque" Stormer, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Aphyllon californicum subsp. condensum is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family.
california broomrape is a California native parasitic perennial found in dry desert regions of southern California in dry washes and flats at low elevations. Flowering from May to July, this delicate plant produces buff to yellow flowers with purple-tinged lips and red veins, approximately 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters long. Growing with branched stems 5 to 15 centimeters tall, it has a delicate, spreading structure with branches generally less than 9 centimeters long. Its stems are intricately structured with round-topped inflorescences and a distinctive flower throat featuring a notable hump approximately 8 to 10 millimeters wide. The flower's corolla tube is stout and abruptly expands above the sinus, creating a unique architectural profile in its desert habitat.
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry washes, flats, on
Bloom period
Aphyllon californicum subsp. condensum blooms May-Jul.
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. condensum native to California?
Yes. Aphyllon californicum subsp. condensum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Aphyllon californicum subsp. condensum bloom?
Aphyllon californicum subsp. condensum blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Aphyllon californicum subsp. condensum belong to?
Aphyllon californicum subsp. condensum is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Aphyllon.
What habitat does Aphyllon californicum subsp. condensum grow in?
Aphyllon californicum subsp. condensum grows in dry washes, flats, on.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.