SafePlants

Groundcone (Boschniakia spp.)

The genus Boschniakia comprises three species of parasitic plants belonging to the broomrape family (Orobanchaceae). These plants are commonly referred to as groundcones.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is described as parasitic, it may be important to prevent pets from ingesting it as a precaution.

Considerations for Children

• The white core at the base of the plant has been traditionally used as medicine, either ground into a powder or chewed. This could present a risk of accidental ingestion by children, and it is important to point out that traditional uses do not automatically mean safety.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Boschniakia
• Common Names: Groundcone
• Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape family)

Species within the Genus

• Boschniakia hookeri: Commonly known as Vancouver groundcone and small groundcone. Synonym: Kopsiopsis hookeri.
• Boschniakia rossica: Commonly known as the northern groundcone.
• Boschniakia strobilacea: Commonly known as California groundcone or Ground cone. Synonym: Kopsiopsis strobilacea.

Distribution and Habitat

• Boschniakia rossica is found in the northern latitudes of the northern hemisphere.
• Boschniakia hookeri grows near the Pacific Coast from Canada to northern California.
• Boschniakia strobilacea parasitizes the roots of madrone trees and manzanita, for example in the Siskiyou Mountains west of Grants Pass, Oregon.
• Habitat can also be shady and mossy locations under salal bushes.

Ecological Role

• Boschniakia species are holoparasitic plants, meaning they obtain all their nutrients from a host plant.
• Boschniakia strobilacea, for example, parasitizes madrone and manzanita trees.

Morphological Characteristics

• The inflorescence of Boschniakia resembles a pine cone sitting erect on the ground.
• The flowers are dark reddish brown to deep purple.
• Boschniakia strobilacea cone can be erect to 12 inches tall.
• Boschniakia hookeri is smaller than Boschniakia strobilacea, with pointed bracts.
• The plant has a potato-like stembase that is edible raw.

Quirky Facts

• The name Boschniakia rossica was given in honor of a Russian person.

Further Information

• Plant Propagation Protocol for Boschniakia hookeri (Vancouver Groundcone). ESRM 412 – Native Plant Production.