Cancer Root Conopholis americana

Cancer Root is an herbaceous, perennial, parasitic plant in the boomrape (Orobanchaceae) family. It typically grows from 3 to 8 inches in height, an inch wide, and is unbranched. Inflorescences that look like the cones from a conifer break through the surface of the soil when the plants are approximately four years old after they have been growing underground attached to oak roots. As it matures, the plant produces a rather thick spike of flowers, while the leaves are reduced to scales. The spike is cream-colored and hairless in late spring and the flowers bloom from the bottom to the top of the spike for a short time in spring and summer. As the summer progresses, the flowering spike withers and becomes brown and resembles a pine cone as it becomes dry with age. The genus name Conopholis comes from Latin for 'cone' and 'scale' and refers to the appearance of the stems with scale-like flowers that resemble upright golden cones. Despite the common name, there is no evidence that the plant has anything to do with cancer. 

Cancer Root grows in large areas of Eastern America on organically rich forest soils.  It needs well-drained soils but grows in a wide variety of light conditions. This plant does not photosynthesize, hence its lack of the green pigment chlorophyll. The root system is parasitic on the roots of Quercus spp. (Oak Trees); the suckers of the parasitic roots cause the formation of large rounded knobs on the roots of the host tree. Because Cancer Root doesn't produce chlorophyll, it is dependent on the host tree for its nourishment. Small clusters of flowering spikes often develop from the same root system.

This plant spreads to new locations by reseeding itself. Black Bears coming out of hibernation forage on the flowering spikes and there is some evidence that deer browse on the spikes occasionally. It is possible that such animals may help to disperse the seeds to new locations.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests.