Aphyllon epigalium subsp. epigalium
Photo: parent species Aphyllon epigalium · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Aphyllon epigalium subsp. epigalium is a native California annual in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by annual with very long pedicels and few flowers, yellow often with red/purple tinge.
Aphyllon epigalium is a California native annual herb found in forest understories and montane slopes at elevations up to 2,700 meters. Flowering from late April to July, this plant produces distinctive yellow flowers often tinged with red or purple, approximately 20 to 30 millimeters long with spreading lobes. Growing as a slender parasitic herb, it emerges from host plant roots with delicate stems. Its flower structure is particularly notable, with a corolla mouth presented at roughly a 45-degree angle and lobes less than twice as long as they are wide. As a root parasite, this plant represents a unique component of montane forest ecosystems.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; annual with very long pedicels and few flowers, yellow often with red/purple tinge
Habitat and range
Habitat: Forest understory or montane slopes, on
Elevation: < 2700 m
Outside California: s OR
Bloom period
Aphyllon epigalium subsp. epigalium blooms Late Apr-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 epigalium subsp. epigalium native to California?
Yes. Aphyllon epigalium subsp. epigalium is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Aphyllon epigalium subsp. epigalium bloom?
Aphyllon epigalium subsp. epigalium blooms Late Apr-Jul.
What plant family does Aphyllon epigalium subsp. epigalium belong to?
Aphyllon epigalium subsp. epigalium is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Aphyllon.
What habitat does Aphyllon epigalium subsp. epigalium grow in?
Aphyllon epigalium subsp. epigalium grows in Forest understory or montane slopes, on.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.