Aphyllon corymbosum
(c) Stan Shebs, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Aphyllon corymbosum is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by small stature with round-topped inflorescence, purple to pink flowers.
Aphyllon corymbosum is a California native perennial found in sagebrush scrub openings at elevations of 1,200 to 2,800 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces pale to purple-tinged flowers with purple to pink lips 5 to 8 millimeters long, showing darker veins. Growing with clustered branches 3 to 17 centimeters tall, it has stout stems that are generally thickened at the base and covered in glandular hairs. Its flowers emerge in branched, round-topped inflorescences with proximal pedicels 5 to 30 millimeters long and a calyx with linear-triangular lobes longer than the tube. The plant's delicate structure features densely hairy anthers and a two-lobed, peltate stigma, creating a distinctive appearance in its high-elevation sagebrush habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; small stature with round-topped inflorescence, purple to pink flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Openings in sagebrush scrub, generally on
Elevation: 1200-2800 m
Outside California: to British Columbia, Montana, Utah
Bloom period
Aphyllon corymbosum 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 corymbosum native to California?
Yes. Aphyllon corymbosum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Aphyllon corymbosum bloom?
Aphyllon corymbosum blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Aphyllon corymbosum belong to?
Aphyllon corymbosum is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Aphyllon.
What habitat does Aphyllon corymbosum grow in?
Aphyllon corymbosum grows in Openings in sagebrush scrub, 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.