American cancer-root or squawroot or bear corn

Very interesting!

Conopholis americana is parasitic on the roots of woody plants, especially oaks (genus Quercus) and beech (genus Fagus).[4] The only part of the plant generally seen is the cone-shaped inflorescence,[6] which appears above ground in spring.[7] The entire structure is a yellowish color, turning to brown[4] and achieves heights of 10 centimeters (4 in) to 20 centimeters (8 in) tall.[8]