How much sun does Cluster Broomrape need?

Cluster Broomrape grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Cluster Broomrape bloom?

Cluster Broomrape blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Cluster Broomrape native?

Cluster Broomrape (Orobanche fasciculata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Cluster Broomrape HOA-friendly?

Cluster Broomrape takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Cluster Broomrape

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Orobanche fasciculata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Cluster Broomrape (Orobanche fasciculata) 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, IA and 19 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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Clustered broomrape is a parasitic wildflower that lacks chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize on its own. It attaches to the roots of other plants, particularly sagebrush and other shrubs, to obtain nutrients. The plant produces clusters of tubular, yellowish to purplish flowers on short, thick stems.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cluster Broomrape 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.

Parasitic nature makes it unsuitable for maintained landscapes
Unusual appearance may be perceived as diseased or dying plants
Cannot be cultivated or controlled like typical garden plants

Wildlife value

This native parasitic plant provides nectar for various small pollinators including native bees and flies. Its specialized nature means it has co-evolved relationships with specific host plants and their associated wildlife communities.

Common questions

How much sun does Cluster Broomrape need?: Cluster Broomrape grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Cluster Broomrape bloom?: Cluster Broomrape blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Cluster Broomrape native?: Cluster Broomrape (Orobanche fasciculata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Cluster Broomrape HOA-friendly?: Cluster Broomrape 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 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.

See all plant problem guides

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

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