American Cancer-root

Conopholis americana

"Conopholis americana", the American cancer-root, is a perennial, non-photosynthesizing parasitic plant, native but not endemic to North America and when blooming, resembles a pine cone or cob of corn growing from the roots of mostly oak and beech trees.
American Cancer-Root aka Bear Corn (Conopholis americana) Gigantic patch growing in a shaded valley under pines and oaks in a dense mixed hardwood/coniferous forest in NW Georgia (Gordon County), US. April 10, 2018. Conopholis americana is a parasitic, non-photosynthetic plant in the Broomrape (Orobanchaceae) Family which depends on the roots of oak and beech trees for its nourishment. It is also a vital early spring foodstuff for bear populations and is thought to make up about 16% of the diet of bears within the Smoky and Shenandoah Mountain Regions. It comes in second place (behind acorns) as an energy source for bears. https://www.jungledragon.com/image/58939/american_cancer-root_aka_bear_corn_conopholis_americana.html https://www.jungledragon.com/image/58941/american_cancer-root_aka_bear_corn_conopholis_americana.html https://www.jungledragon.com/image/58942/american_cancer-root_aka_bear_corn_conopholis_americana.html https://www.jungledragon.com/image/71247/american_cancer-root_aka_bear_corn_conopholis_americana.html American cancer-root,Conopholis americana,Geotagged,Spring,United States

Appearance

"Conopholis americana" is parasitic on the roots of woody plants, especially oaks and beech. The only part of the plant generally seen is the cone-shaped inflorescence, which appears above ground in spring.

The entire structure is a yellowish color, turning to brown and achieves heights of 10 centimeters to 20 centimeters tall.
Conopholis_americana2_2024-05-14 SW Michigan USA American cancer root flower Photographed from this: https://www.jungledragon.com/image/160329/conopholis_americana_2024-05-14_sw_michigan_usa.html American Cancer-root,Conopholis americana,Geotagged,Spring,United States

Naming

It gets its common name for its usage by Native American women to treat menstrual cramps and other female ailments, due to its astringency.
American Cancer-Root aka Bear Corn (Conopholis americana) Gigantic patch growing in a shaded valley under pines and oaks in a dense mixed hardwood/coniferous forest in NW Georgia (Gordon County), US. April 10, 2018. Conopholis americana is a parasitic, non-photosynthetic plant in the Broomrape (Orobanchaceae) Family which depends on the roots of oak and beech trees for its nourishment. https://www.jungledragon.com/image/58941/american_cancer-root_aka_bear_corn_conopholis_americana.html It is also a vital early spring foodstuff for bear populations and is thought to make up about 16% of the diet of bears within the Smoky and Shenandoah Mountain Regions. It comes in second place (behind acorns) as an energy source for bears. https://www.jungledragon.com/image/58942/american_cancer-root_aka_bear_corn_conopholis_americana.html https://www.jungledragon.com/image/71247/american_cancer-root_aka_bear_corn_conopholis_americana.html https://www.jungledragon.com/image/71248/american_cancer-root_aka_bear_corn_conopholis_americana.html American cancer-root,Conopholis americana,Geotagged,Spring,United States,bear corn,orobanchaceae

Reproduction

Each flower is replaced by a seed capsule that is longer than it is wide and contains many small seeds. This plant spreads to new locations by reseeding itself.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
DivisionAngiosperms
ClassEudicots
OrderLamiales
FamilyOrobanchaceae
GenusConopholis
SpeciesC. americana
Photographed in
United States of America