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.
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.
Does Beechdrops fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.