Aphyllon parishii subsp. parishii
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Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Aphyllon parishii subsp. parishii is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by taller than coastal subspecies, asymmetrical flower arrangement.
Parish's broomrape is a California native parasitic perennial found in central and southern California mountain ranges in conifer forest, chaparral openings, and scrub habitats at elevations of 300 to 3,000 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces flowers with pale to lavender corollas 20 to 25 millimeters long, with spreading lips 6 to 8 millimeters wide. Growing 15 to 26 centimeters tall with an elongate inflorescence 5 to 14 centimeters long and an asymmetrical flower arrangement, it develops delicate structures with distinctively shaped flower clusters. Its floral structure features a calyx with 10 to 16 millimeter lobes and spreading flower structures with wide, separated stigma lobes. As a root parasite, it typically grows attached to the roots of host shrubs in its native mountain environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; taller than coastal subspecies, asymmetrical flower arrangement
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Conifer forest, openings in chaparral, scrub, generally on shrubs
Elevation: 300-3000 m
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Aphyllon parishii subsp. parishii blooms May-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 parishii subsp. parishii native to California?
Yes. Aphyllon parishii subsp. parishii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Aphyllon parishii subsp. parishii bloom?
Aphyllon parishii subsp. parishii blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Aphyllon parishii subsp. parishii belong to?
Aphyllon parishii subsp. parishii is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Aphyllon.
What habitat does Aphyllon parishii subsp. parishii grow in?
Aphyllon parishii subsp. parishii grows in Uncommon. Conifer forest, openings in chaparral, scrub, generally on shrubs.
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.