Ghostpipes
Aphyllon uniflorum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CA, CO and 37 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
One-flowered broomrape is a parasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll and grows by attaching to the roots of other plants. It produces small purple or white tubular flowers on leafless stems in late spring and summer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Ghostpipes 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.
- Appears sporadically and unpredictably
- Lacks leaves and green foliage
- Can look like a weed or unwanted growth
Wildlife value
The flowers may attract small pollinators like bees and flies, though its parasitic nature limits its overall ecological contribution.
Common questions
- How much sun does Ghostpipes need?
- Ghostpipes grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Ghostpipes bloom?
- Ghostpipes blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Ghostpipes native?
- Ghostpipes (Aphyllon uniflorum) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 37 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Ghostpipes HOA-friendly?
- Ghostpipes 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 Ghostpipes? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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