Species introCountry intro
Aureolaria laevigata - Appalachian Oak-leech
Yellow, trumpet shaped flower on a tall, slender stalk with oppositely arranged leaves.
Aureolaria laevigata is hemiparasitic on oak tree species. It is photosynthetic, however, it must obtain some of its mineral nutrients and water from the host plant. It accomplishes this via modified roots call haustoria which penetrate host tissues. Parasitism is a common feature of plants in the Orobanchaceae family. Pollinators include hummingbirds and bumblebees.
Habitat:
Top of a ridge dense mixed hardwood forest. Nearby oaks.
''Aureolaria laevigata'', commonly known as entireleaf yellow false foxglove or Appalachian oak-leech, is a species of plant in the broomrape family. It is native to much of the Appalachian Mountains and surrounding areas. It is also found in a disjunct population in southwestern Mississippi.
Like other members of its genus, ''Aureolaria laevigata'' is hemiparasitic on oak tree roots. It produces tubular yellow flowers in late summer. It can be distinguished from its relative, ''A. flava''.. more
