Species Flat-Topped Broomrape
orange-brown flowers and brown foliage

Flat-Topped Broomrape

Aphyllon corymbosum subsp. mutabile

Flat-Topped Broomrape (Aphyllon corymbosum subsp. mutabile) is a flowering, parasitic plant species and a member of the Orobanchaceae family. It lacks chlorophyll and has a flat, yellow-white flowerhead and smooth, slender stems. Stems stem from a basal rosette or tuft of leaves and range from one to three feet in height. The flowers are small and vary in color from white to pink to almost purple, and the plant rarely lives more than one season. While it can often be found growing in fields and meadows, it relies on the root system of grasses and herbs for survival. It can also be found in other clear, moist habitats, including wetlands, roadsides and even disturbed areas.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

brown,black Fruits Ready In Fall

Growth Rate:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Flat-Topped Broomrape should be watered once a week or every 5 to 7 days. Water until the soil is moist but not soggy. Make sure to water evenly so the plant doesn’t have too much water in 1 area. Once established, the Flat-Topped Broomrape may need less water due to its shallow root system. During hot and dry weather, water more frequently to keep the soil moist. Make sure to check the soil often to ensure the plant is receiving enough water and isn’t dehydrated.

sunlight

Flat-Topped Broomrape (Aphyllon corymbosum subsp. mutabile) grows best in full sunlight for 6-8 hours per day. Growing this plant in partial shade or in areas without direct sunlight may inhibit growth and flowering. It requires consistent moisture but can tolerate short periods of drought. To obtain the best growth it is recommended that temperatures remain cool but not below freezing, so this plant is best suited for USDA plant hardiness zones 4-9.

pruning

Flat-Topped Broomrape (Aphyllon corymbosum subsp. mutabile) should be pruned in late winter to early spring when vegetative growth starts. Prune off the old, dead, or diseased shoots back to healthy tissue at the base of the plant. Cut back the shoots that have grown out of their natural form. Remove any crossed branches that could cause harm to the plant in the future. Do not remove more than 1/3 of the total stem length. Make sure that control pruning only takes place when necessary, otherwise you risk stunting the growth of the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Flat-Topped Broomrape typically starts flowering in May.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Aphyllon corymbosum subsp. mutabile is typically in July and August.