SafePlants

Fernleaf Yellow False Foxglove

The Fernleaf Yellow False Foxglove, scientifically known as Aureolaria pedicularia, is an interesting plant with unique characteristics and ecological relationships.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has hairy leaves and sticky stems, which might be of interest to some pets.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has hairy leaves and sticky stems.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Aureolaria pedicularia (L.) Raf.
• Common Names: Fernleaf Yellow False Foxglove, Northern Oak-leach, Hairy False Foxglove
• Family:
  • Scrophulariaceae (historically)
  • Orobanchaceae (currently) - Broomrape Family
• Kingdom: Not explicitly stated, but implicitly Plantae (based on context).
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Aureolaria pedicularia var. pedicularia

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America.
• Occasional in its range.
• Found in specific oak habitats, sandhills, and dry oak forests.
• Specific locations mentioned include: Delaware County, PA; New Hanover Co., NC; Manatee County, Florida; Georgia.
• A threatened species in New Hampshire (Aureolaria pedicularia var. intercedens).

Ecological Role

• Parasitizes the roots of oaks, especially white oaks, obtaining nutrients.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Annual herb.
• Bushy plant.
• Forb/herb: a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• Medium size, growing up to 14 meters in height (a possible typo, more likely 1.4 m).
• Flowers:
  • Trumpet-shaped yellow corolla.
  • Short green calyx with 5 teeth.
  • 1 to 3 stalked yellow flowers in leaf axils.
  • Flowers tubular, 1 to 1 1/2 inches long.
  • Relatively large, about 3 cm (1.2 in.) long, bell-shaped, yellow, and borne on the ends of long stalks.
• Leaves:
  • Simple, hairy leaves.
  • Some species have fernlike, delicately dissected leaves and glandular hairs.
• Stems: Sticky and hairy.

Quirky Facts

• The Fernleaf Yellow False Foxglove is closely associated with oak trees, particularly white oaks, due to its parasitic nature. It obtains nutrients by attaching to the roots of these trees.
• While typically found in wooded areas, one observer noted it growing on the opposite side of a "weed."

Further Information

• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Aureolaria pedicularia.
• Dave's Garden: A community forum for sharing gardening tips, ideas, seeds, and plants.
• Catherine Herms at The Ohio State University (photographer).
• http://amberastrophil.blogspot.com/2014/09/fernleaf-yellow-false-foxglove.html