Naked Broomrape

[mishalak]

Pink Form As can clearly be seen by this photo the flowers are not large, less than 10cm (4 in.) in height. The pinecone at left is to help give a sense of scale; it would easily fit in an open palm. The flowers can be very hard to spot due to their pale coloration and brief appearance on the surface. They are completely parasitic, and are usually found next to sagebrush or its relatives at moderate elevations in the Rocky Mountains.

Dissected Flower The yellow streaks inside the flower are not pollen at all, but coloration on the fused petals giving a superficial resemblance to a penstemon. The four stamens can be seen here bellow the one pistol, all are pale white. The five mostly fused sepals surround the ovary to the left of the photograph.

White Form It is a pretty, though not long lasting flower. These examples faded and were going to seed within three days of being sighted. This and the trouble they may cause other plants besides sagebrush make them not recommended for home gardens. Cousins of this species cause significant trouble in alfalfa crops in some areas.