Beechdrop

Description:

This parasitic plant lacks chlorophyll and depends entirely on its root connection to its host, the beech tree (Fagus sp.), for nutrients. Epifagus lacks leaves and has small pinkish flowers. These plants were blooming in early September.

Habitat:

Rocky soil near beech trees.

Notes:

The flowers can be either cleistogamous or chasmogamous, while the chasmogamous flowers are located near the tips of the stems the cleistogamous flowers are located closer to the stems base.