Etymology: Epifagus: ancient Greek name of Helleborus
Plants: erect, annual, 4"-20" tall forb; stems with many branches, pale brown with thin purple lines; parasitic on beech tree roots
Leaves: scattered, alternate, scale-like
Flowers: whitish often with 2 brown stripes, 1/3" long; 2 different types of flowers: the lower cup-like, ribbed, 5-lobed; the upper somewhat larger, tubular, 4 -lobed; inflorescence a loose, often-branched, tall cluster (panicle) of flowers from the leaf axils; blooms Aug.-Oct.
Habitat: moderate moisture; woods
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, annual, 4"-20" tall forb; stems with many branches, pale brown with thin purple lines; parasitic on beech tree roots
Leaves: scattered, alternate, scale-like
Flowers: whitish often with 2 brown stripes, 1/3" long; 2 different types of flowers: the lower cup-like, ribbed, 5-lobed; the upper somewhat larger, tubular, 4 -lobed; inflorescence a loose, often-branched, tall cluster (panicle) of flowers from the leaf axils; blooms Aug.-Oct.
Habitat: moderate moisture; woods
Conservation Status: Native
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 9 USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"
Clifford Orsted
Arthur Meeks
Botanical Illustration