Aphyllon californicum subsp. grande
Photo: parent species Aphyllon californicum · (c) Jo "Cirque" Stormer, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Aphyllon californicum subsp. grande is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family.
california broom-rape is a native perennial herb found along the California coast in coastal dunes and marine terraces at elevations below 250 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces pale pink to brown-red flowers with dark veins, approximately 35 to 50 millimeters long with widely recurved lips. Growing 8 to 30 centimeters tall with stout stems that are generally branched toward the tips, it forms compact, round-topped inflorescences less than 5 centimeters wide. Its flower tubes are narrow, less than 4 millimeters wide, with a throat 9 to 10 millimeters wide and lower lobes that are narrowly ovate.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Coastal dunes, marine terraces
Elevation: < 250 m
Bloom period
Aphyllon californicum subsp. grande blooms May-Jun.
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. grande native to California?
Yes. Aphyllon californicum subsp. grande is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Aphyllon californicum subsp. grande bloom?
Aphyllon californicum subsp. grande blooms May-Jun.
What plant family does Aphyllon californicum subsp. grande belong to?
Aphyllon californicum subsp. grande is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Aphyllon.
What habitat does Aphyllon californicum subsp. grande grow in?
Aphyllon californicum subsp. grande grows in Uncommon. Coastal dunes, marine terraces.
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.