Aphyllon californicum subsp. jepsonii
Photo: parent species Aphyllon californicum · (c) Jo "Cirque" Stormer, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Aphyllon californicum subsp. jepsonii is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family.
Jepson broomrape is a California native parasitic perennial found in dry flats and slopes at elevations up to 2,200 meters. Flowering from July to September, this plant produces white to pale pink flowers with subtle purple veining, the delicate corolla 25 to 40 millimeters long with a gradually widening tube. Growing 10 to 35 centimeters tall with generally branched stems extending more than 6 centimeters, it develops complex parasitic connections with host plants in dry habitats. Its inflorescence spans 5 to 20 centimeters, creating a distinctive profile against sparse, arid landscapes. The plant's subtle coloration and slender form allow it to blend seamlessly with its surrounding perennial herb and shrub communities.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Generally dry flats, slopes, generally on perennial herb and shrub Asteraceae
Elevation: < 2200 m
Bloom period
Aphyllon californicum subsp. jepsonii blooms Jul-Sep.
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. jepsonii native to California?
Yes. Aphyllon californicum subsp. jepsonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Aphyllon californicum subsp. jepsonii bloom?
Aphyllon californicum subsp. jepsonii blooms Jul-Sep.
What plant family does Aphyllon californicum subsp. jepsonii belong to?
Aphyllon californicum subsp. jepsonii is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Aphyllon.
What habitat does Aphyllon californicum subsp. jepsonii grow in?
Aphyllon californicum subsp. jepsonii grows in Uncommon. Generally dry flats, slopes, generally on perennial herb and shrub Asteraceae.
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.