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fernleaf yellow false foxglove
Scientific Name: Aureolaria pedicularia
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names: IA (fern-leaved false foxglove), ME (fern-leaved f
Fernleaf Yellow False Foxglove (Aureolaria pedicularia)
The Fernleaf Yellow False Foxglove, scientifically known as Aureolaria pedicularia, is an interesting plant with a unique parasitic relationship. Let's explore its characteristics and ecological role.
Common Names
- Fernleaf Yellow False Foxglove
- Northern Oak-leach
- Hairy False Foxglove
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Aureolaria pedicularia (L.) Raf.
- Family:
- Previously: Scrophulariaceae
- Currently: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape family)
- Genus: Aureolaria
- Taxonomic Rank: Species, Variety (Aureolaria pedicularia var. pedicularia, Aureolaria pedicularia var. intercedens)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to North America.
- Found in locations such as Delaware County, PA; Georgia; New Hanover Co., NC; and Connecticut.
- Prefers sandhills and dry oak forests.
- Specifically mentioned as a threatened species in New Hampshire.
Ecological Role
- Parasitic plant, specifically on the roots of oak trees, particularly white oaks. It is sometimes referred to as "oak-leach".
Morphological Characteristics
- Herbaceous plant, also classified as a forb.
- Annual lifespan.
- Flowers:
- Yellow in color.
- Trumpet-shaped corolla.
- Short green calyx with 5 teeth.
- Relatively large, about 3 cm (1.2 in.) long, bell-shaped, and borne on the ends of long stalks.
- Flowers tubular, 1 to 1 inches long,
- Leaves:
- Simple and hairy.
- Delicately dissected leaves, similar to a fern.
- Stems: sticky and hairy.
- Bushy plant structure.
Quirky Facts
- The plant is called "False Foxglove" because it has flowers that look similar to those of a true foxglove (Digitalis).
- Despite its name, it is more closely related to broomrapes than true foxgloves.
- It has glandular hairs.
- Plants are medium in size and can reach 14 meters in height.
- In the spring it can assume a pink coloring.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Parasitizes oak trees, obtaining nutrients from their roots.
Further Information
- Discover Life: Provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Aureolaria pedicularia.
- Dave's Garden: A community where gardeners share tips and ideas.
- Catherine Herms at The Ohio State University has documented the plant.