How much sun does Prairie Broomrape need?

Prairie Broomrape grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Prairie Broomrape bloom?

Prairie Broomrape blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Prairie Broomrape native?

Prairie Broomrape (Orobanche ludoviciana) is native to AL, CO, FL, ID and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Prairie Broomrape HOA-friendly?

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

Prairie Broomrape

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Orobanche ludoviciana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Prairie Broomrape (Orobanche ludoviciana) 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

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, CO, FL, ID and 14 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 445 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

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains

Prairie broomrape is a parasitic wildflower that grows by attaching to the roots of other plants, producing small spikes of tubular flowers in late spring and early summer. This unusual native plant has no leaves of its own and appears as pale, fleshy stems emerging from the ground. It requires host plants to survive and cannot be cultivated like typical garden plants.

In an HOA neighborhood

Prairie Broomrape takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Parasitic nature makes it unpredictable and potentially harmful to other plants
Unusual appearance may be considered weedy or unsightly
Cannot be reliably established or maintained in landscaping

Wildlife value

Limited wildlife value due to its parasitic nature and small size, though it may provide nectar for small native bees and other tiny insects during its brief flowering period.

Common questions

How much sun does Prairie Broomrape need?: Prairie Broomrape grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Prairie Broomrape bloom?: Prairie Broomrape blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Prairie Broomrape native?: Prairie Broomrape (Orobanche ludoviciana) is native to AL, CO, FL, ID and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Prairie Broomrape HOA-friendly?: Prairie 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.

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

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