Skip to main content

Squawroot

Conopholis americana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Squawroot (Conopholis americana)
Photo: Alex Abair / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Toxicity unknown

Squawroot (Conopholis americana) 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

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, CT, DE, FL and 21 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

PiedmontNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsSouthern Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Squawroot is an unusual native parasitic plant that emerges from the soil as thick, yellowish-brown stalks covered in scale-like leaves. It gets its nutrients by attaching to tree roots, particularly oaks, and produces clusters of small tubular flowers along the stem. This plant cannot be cultivated in typical garden settings since it requires specific host trees to survive.

In an HOA neighborhood

Squawroot 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.

  • Appears brown and mushroom-like rather than like typical garden plants
  • Cannot be planted or controlled in landscaped areas
  • May be mistaken for fungal growth or decay

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers attract bees and other small pollinators during its spring to summer blooming period. Birds may eat the small seeds that develop after flowering.

Common questions

How much sun does Squawroot need?
Squawroot grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Squawroot bloom?
Squawroot blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Squawroot native?
Squawroot (Conopholis americana) is native to AL, CT, DE, FL and 21 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Squawroot HOA-friendly?
Squawroot 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 Squawroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden
iPhone appAndroid app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz