Orobanchaceae

Boschniakia strobilacea

California Ground-Cone

Cone erect to 12 in. tall. Reddish brown to dark purplish, lowest bracts 1/2–3/4 in. across, widely oval, overlapping, edges pale and tips rounded. Flowers 2-lipped with 4 lobes; lower 3 lobes similar, upper lobe wider and somewhat hood-like, all are pale purple on edges, deeper toward center. Grows in open wooded areas, parasitic on Arctostaphylos or Arbutus, at low elevations to treeline. Similar B. hookeri, Vancouver ground-cone, is smaller, up to 5 in. tall, grows on roots of Gaultheria shallon along or near coast, more widespread in Washington and British Columbia but rare in California. Named for Russian botanist Boschniaki.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: Late Spring, Early Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 4--12 inches
• Habitat: West-Side Forest
• Found In: Siskiyous
• Native: Yes