Beechdrops
Epifagus virginiana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–16" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Beechdrops is a parasitic native plant that grows only beneath American beech trees, drawing nutrients from their roots. This unusual brownish plant produces small tubular flowers in late summer and fall but lacks green leaves entirely.
In an HOA neighborhood
Beechdrops 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.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Brownish appearance looks dead or diseased
- Very unusual and unfamiliar to most people
- Only grows under beech trees in specific conditions
Wildlife value
This specialized plant has limited wildlife value, with few known pollinators visiting its inconspicuous flowers.
Common questions
- How much sun does Beechdrops need?
- Beechdrops grows best in shade conditions.
- When does Beechdrops bloom?
- Beechdrops blooms in August, September, and October.
- Where is Beechdrops native?
- Beechdrops (Epifagus virginiana) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Beechdrops HOA-friendly?
- Beechdrops 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Beechdrops? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz