Prairie Broomrape
Orobanche ludoviciana
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
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 Prairie Broomrape fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.