About Aureolaria pectinata (Nutt.) Pennell
Nomenclature and Classification
Aureolaria pectinata (Nutt.) Pennell, commonly known as combleaf yellow false foxglove, false foxglove, and comb-leaf oakleach, is a plant species in the broomrape family native to the southeastern United States.
Growth Form and Foliage
It is an annual herbaceous plant, with oppositely arranged, fern-like leaves, and produces yellow flowers in late summer.
Parasitic Adaptation
A. pectinata is hemiparasitic, meaning it obtains part of its nutrients from other plants; it attaches to the roots of oak trees, which explains its common name "oakleach".
Habitat Type
This species is most often found in upland hardwood forest, savanna, and pine community habitats.
Flowering Period
Its bisexual flowers bloom from May to October.
Site Disturbance Requirement
A. pectinata has only been observed growing in sites that have been burned, and does not occur in unburned sites.
Pollinators and Host Role
It is pollinated by both bees and hummingbirds, and acts as a larval host plant for the butterfly Euphydryas phaeton.
