Downy Yellow False Foxglove Aureolaria virginica

The common names of this plant tell the story.  Downy refers to the stems and leaves which are covered with downy hairs.  Oak Leach or Leach comes from its hemiparasitic properties on oak trees, attaching like a leach to the oak tree and derives some of its nutrients from the oak tree's roots. It can also survive without a host plant.

Downy Oak Leach is a native herbaceous perennial and hemiparasitic on white oaks, but does possess chlorophyll and performs photosynthesis.  It is commonly found in the mountains in dry to mesic forests, along stream banks, and in disturbed sites in all areas of NC.  Deer eagerly browse this plant.

The yellow flowers open June through August in terminal clusters of yellow funnel-shaped blooms atop downy stems. They typically open in the morning and close in the afternoon. They prefer partial sun in rocky, clay or sandy loam.

Plant the seeds or plants near a tree in the white oak family.