Aphyllon cooperi
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Aphyllon cooperi is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by dark purple above ground, 10-40 cm, often forming large clumps.
Cooper's broomrape is a California native parasitic perennial found on sandy flats and washes throughout low elevation areas from sea level to 1,500 meters. Flowering from January to May, this plant produces purple flowers 18 to 32 millimeters long with distinctive glandular hairs. Growing 10 to 40 centimeters tall with a dark purple above-ground portion, it often forms large clumps with stout stems. Its flowers feature asymmetrical lips, with upper lobes 6 to 10 millimeters long that are notably longer than the lower lips. The plant occasionally develops a unique coral-like root attachment and is characterized by its glandular-puberulent texture.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; dark purple above ground, 10-40 cm, often forming large clumps
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy flats, washes, on Asteraceae (generally
Elevation: -30-1500 m
Outside California: to Utah, Arizona, Baja California
Bloom period
Aphyllon cooperi blooms Jan-May.
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 cooperi native to California?
Yes. Aphyllon cooperi is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Aphyllon cooperi bloom?
Aphyllon cooperi blooms Jan-May.
What plant family does Aphyllon cooperi belong to?
Aphyllon cooperi is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Aphyllon.
What habitat does Aphyllon cooperi grow in?
Aphyllon cooperi grows in Sandy flats, washes, on Asteraceae (generally.
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.