In early May, you may see small groups of erect, yellow-brown plants poking through the leaf litter along the Oak-Hickory Trail, the White Pine Trail, and elsewhere on the Arboretum. These pine cone-shaped structures are the inflorescences of Squawroot (also known as Cancerroot). This parasitic plant, which has no chlorophyll, belongs to the Broomrape plant family. The below-ground portion of the plant is primarily a root with a tip, called a haustorium, that penetrates the roots of oaks and absorbs water, nutrients, and sugars from the host trees.

The yellowish-white flowers are borne along the length of the inflorescence and have a light-colored calyx; a tubular, 2-lipped corolla; 4 stamens; and a superior ovary with 2 stigma. The leaves are reduced to brown scales. Each flower produces many very small seeds. Deer, bear, and other mammals may eat these plants and facilitate seed dispersal. The common name apparently refers to its use by Native Americans for medicinal purposes.

Return to Wildflowers List