28 Aug Not A Weed Wednesday – Broom-Rape
Posted at 08:00h
in Chewing Cud
Broom-Rape (Orobanche ludoviciana)
Broom-rape species are parasitic plants that grow on sage (Artemisia) plants. They have a white-ish colouring because they obtain their energy from the sage instead of producing their own via photosynthesis. Three broom-rape species are present in Alberta all characterized by their small size (ranging 2-10 cm tall), white-brown scale like leaves, and pink-yellow tubular flowers
Shown here is Louisiana Broom-rape, it has many sessile flowers while the other broom rape species have flowers on long stalks.
Contact a Special Areas Rangeland Agrologist for more information on optimal range health and grazing on native grasslands.
