Squaw Root
Conopholis americana

Picture taken May 1, 2002

These plants are fairly common parasites on oak roots. They emerge in April and are an important food for bears just coming out of hibernation. Since they are parasites, they contain no chlorophyll and their leaves are reduced to scales. The genus name, Conopholis, refers to the fact that these plants look like pine cones.

Plant Name Index  |  Pictorial Index
May 1  |  May 8