Aureolaria virginica (L.) Pennell

Downy False Foxglove; Downy Oak Leach; Downy Yellow False Foxglove

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Downy False Foxglove is a native perennial in the Broomrape family (Orobanchaceae). It can be found throughout Alabama. Downy False Foxglove is a hemi-parasite (half parasitic—it contains chlorophyll and can produce its own sugars) on the roots of members of the white oak group. It occurs in hardwood forests, particularly in areas where there is disturbance such as along streams, along roads, and on banks. Downy False Foxglove forms connections with the roots of its host by way of a haustorium, a specialized root. Unlike many parasitic plants, Downy False Foxglove seed will germinate after a cold treatment even without the presence of the host. Downy False Foxglove grows from 1-5 feet in height. The stem is square, pubescent, rigid, and brittle. Lower stem leaves are petiolate, opposite, pubescent, and lanceolate in outline. The margins may be entire or pinnately lobed. Upper stem leaves are smaller, and usually have entire margins. Flowers are produced in terminal racemes in the axils of large bracts. The corolla is bright lemon yellow. It is 5 lobed with the stigma and stamens located at the top of the flower. The flowers are pollinated by large bees, and rarely last beyond noon. Most flowers will show damage from the bees in the form of torn and discolored areas. The fruit is a pubescent capsule with many small seed. This is the earliest of our Foxglove species to flower.--A. Diamond

**

Native

**