Aphyllon tuberosum
Aphyllon tuberosum
Last reviewed: September 2026
Aphyllon tuberosum is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees.
Toxicity unknown
Aphyllon tuberosum 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
low
Size
3"–8" H × 3"–6" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
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A leafless, parasitic wildflower that draws nutrients from the roots of host shrubs, producing only a short cluster of dusty purple-brown tubular flowers close to the ground in spring. Not a plant for cultivation as a standalone garden feature since it requires a living host root.
Growing Aphyllon tuberosum
Grow Aphyllon tuberosum in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 3 to 8 inches tall and spread 3 to 6 inches wide.
Wildlife value
An uncommon nectar source for small native bees in the sparse early-spring bloom period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Aphyllon tuberosum need?
- Aphyllon tuberosum grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Aphyllon tuberosum bloom?
- Aphyllon tuberosum blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Aphyllon tuberosum native?
- Aphyllon tuberosum is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Aphyllon tuberosum attract?
- Aphyllon tuberosum draws bees.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Aphyllon tuberosum? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.