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Beechdrops

Epifagus virginiana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Beechdrops (Epifagus virginiana)
Photo: (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug

Toxicity unknown

Beechdrops (Epifagus virginiana) 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

shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–16" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 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 437 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

South Central PlainsPiedmontNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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.

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