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California groundcone
Scientific Name: Boschniakia strobilacea
Family: Orobanchaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
California Ground Cone (Boschniakia strobilacea)
The California ground cone, Boschniakia strobilacea, often mistaken for a pine cone, is a fascinating parasitic plant native to western North America.
Considerations for Pets
- Resembles a pine cone, which might attract pets.
Considerations for Children
- Resembles a pine cone, which might attract children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Boschniakia strobilacea
- Common Names: California ground cone, Ground cone
- Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape Family)
- Synonym: Kopsiopsis strobilacea
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to California.
- Found throughout western North America, from British Columbia to northern California.
- Often associated with madrone and manzanita trees.
- Grows in shaded areas.
Ecological Role
- Parasitic plant, meaning it obtains nutrients from other plants.
- Often associated with madrone and manzanita.
- Non-green plants, lacking chlorophyll and relying on host plants.
Morphological Characteristics
- The inflorescence (flower structure) is dark reddish-brown to deep purple, resembling a pine cone sitting erect on the ground.
- Cone erect to 12 inches tall.
- Lowest bracts (modified leaves) are 1/2 to 3/4 inches across, widely oval, reddish-brown to dark purplish.
Quirky Facts
- The plant is often mistaken for a pine cone.
- It's a parasitic plant and depends on other plant's nutrients.
- It is associated with madrone and manzanita.