American Cancer-root

Conopholis americana

''Conopholis americana'', the American cancer-root, is a perennial, non-photosynthesizing parasitic plant, native but not endemic to North America and when blooming, resembles a pine cone or cob of corn growing from the roots of mostly oak and beech trees.
American Cancer-Root aka Bear Corn (Conopholis americana) Gigantic patch growing in a shaded valley under pines and oaks in a dense mixed hardwood/coniferous forest in NW Georgia (Gordon County), US. April 10, 2018. Conopholis americana is a parasitic, non-photosynthetic plant in the Broomrape (Orobanchaceae) Family which depends on the roots of oak and beech trees for its nourishment. It is also a vital early spring foodstuff for bear populations and is thought to make up about 16% of the diet of bears within the Smoky and Shenandoah Mountain Regions. It comes in second place (behind acorns) as an energy source for bears. https://www.jungledragon.com/image/58939/american_cancer-root_aka_bear_corn_conopholis_americana.html https://www.jungledragon.com/image/58941/american_cancer-root_aka_bear_corn_conopholis_americana.html https://www.jungledragon.com/image/58942/american_cancer-root_aka_bear_corn_conopholis_americana.html https://www.jungledragon.com/image/71247/american_cancer-root_aka_bear_corn_conopholis_americana.html American cancer-root,Conopholis americana,Geotagged,Spring,United States

Appearance

''Conopholis americana'' is parasitic on the roots of woody plants, especially oaks and beech. The only part of the plant generally seen is the cone-shaped inflorescence, which appears above ground in spring.

The entire structure is a yellowish color, turning to brown and achieves heights of 10 centimeters to 20 centimeters tall.
American Cancer-Root aka Bear Corn (Conopholis americana) Gigantic patch growing in a shaded valley under pines and oaks in a dense mixed hardwood/coniferous forest in NW Georgia (Gordon County), US. April 10, 2018. Conopholis americana is a parasitic, non-photosynthetic plant in the Broomrape (Orobanchaceae) Family which depends on the roots of oak and beech trees for its nourishment. https://www.jungledragon.com/image/58941/american_cancer-root_aka_bear_corn_conopholis_americana.html It is also a vital early spring foodstuff for bear populations and is thought to make up about 16% of the diet of bears within the Smoky and Shenandoah Mountain Regions. It comes in second place (behind acorns) as an energy source for bears. https://www.jungledragon.com/image/58942/american_cancer-root_aka_bear_corn_conopholis_americana.html https://www.jungledragon.com/image/71247/american_cancer-root_aka_bear_corn_conopholis_americana.html https://www.jungledragon.com/image/71248/american_cancer-root_aka_bear_corn_conopholis_americana.html American cancer-root,Conopholis americana,Geotagged,Spring,United States,bear corn,orobanchaceae

Naming

It gets its common name for its usage by Native American women to treat menstrual cramps and other female ailments, due to its astringency.
Squawroot This is a picture of Conopholis americana on the Central Tract of the Patuxent Research Refuge near Laurel, Maryland. Conopholis americana,Geotagged,Spring,United States

Reproduction

Each flower is replaced by a seed capsule that is longer than it is wide and contains many small seeds. This plant spreads to new locations by reseeding itself.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
DivisionAngiosperms
ClassEudicots
OrderLamiales
FamilyOrobanchaceae
GenusConopholis
SpeciesC. americana
Photographed in
United States of America