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American Cancer-root

Conopholis americana

Last reviewed: September 2026

American Cancer-root (Conopholis americana)
Photo: Alex Abair / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Toxicity unknown

American Cancer-root (Conopholis americana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, CT, DE, FL and 21 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

PiedmontNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsSouthern Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Squawroot is an unusual native parasitic plant that emerges from the soil as thick, yellowish-brown stalks covered in scale-like leaves. It gets its nutrients by attaching to tree roots, particularly oaks, and produces clusters of small tubular flowers along the stem. This plant cannot be cultivated in typical garden settings since it requires specific host trees to survive.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Cancer-root takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

  • Appears brown and mushroom-like rather than like typical garden plants
  • Cannot be planted or controlled in landscaped areas
  • May be mistaken for fungal growth or decay

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers attract bees and other small pollinators during its spring to summer blooming period. Birds may eat the small seeds that develop after flowering.

Common questions

How much sun does American Cancer-root need?
American Cancer-root grows best in part shade conditions.
When does American Cancer-root bloom?
American Cancer-root blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is American Cancer-root native?
American Cancer-root (Conopholis americana) is native to AL, CT, DE, FL and 21 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is American Cancer-root HOA-friendly?
American Cancer-root takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow American Cancer-root? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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