Aphyllon parishii subsp. brachylobum
Short-lobed broomrape, Short-Lobed Broomrape, short-lobed broomrape
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Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Aphyllon parishii subsp. brachylobum (Short-lobed broomrape) is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by coastal habitat, flowers in regular spiral arrangement, 5-18 cm tall.
Short-lobed broomrape is a rare (CNPS 4.2) California native perennial found in coastal regions with sandy soil near the ocean at elevations below 300 meters. Flowering from May to August, this parasitic plant produces flowers 15 to 24 millimeters long with erect or slightly spreading lips 4 to 6 millimeters in length. Growing 5 to 18 centimeters tall, it forms an elongate inflorescence 3 to 8 centimeters long with flowers arranged in a regular spiral along its axis. Its flowers feature calyx lobes 7 to 10 millimeters long with distinctive narrow, recurved stigma lobes and glabrous anthers. This uncommon plant is notable for its compact growth and intricate floral structure emerging from sandy coastal environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; coastal habitat, flowers in regular spiral arrangement, 5-18 cm tall
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy soil near ocean, generally on
Elevation: < 300 m
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Aphyllon parishii subsp. brachylobum blooms May-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
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 parishii subsp. brachylobum native to California?
Yes. Aphyllon parishii subsp. brachylobum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Aphyllon parishii subsp. brachylobum bloom?
Aphyllon parishii subsp. brachylobum blooms May-Aug.
What plant family does Aphyllon parishii subsp. brachylobum belong to?
Aphyllon parishii subsp. brachylobum is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Aphyllon.
Is Aphyllon parishii subsp. brachylobum rare or endangered?
Aphyllon parishii subsp. brachylobum carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S3.
What habitat does Aphyllon parishii subsp. brachylobum grow in?
Aphyllon parishii subsp. brachylobum grows in Sandy soil near ocean, generally on.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.