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Squawroot – Conopholis Americana (L.) Wallr

Squawroot a rare native plant in VA.

These crazy looking growths are squawroot. Wow! I found a rare native plant in VA! Since the COVID-19 closures, my awareness increased. I notice really interesting things that previously I would have missed. Of course, timing helps. It was coincidence that I saw the cedar-apple rust. Those creepy orange things only appear for a few days. These did not last long either. The seed pods lasted 2 weeks. Read more to see if you can find some squawroot. It is pretty amazing.

Interesting Facts

Another name for squawroot is “cancer root” or “bear claw”. The stems grow from 2-8” tall, however, the ones in these photos were about 4-5” maximum. It doesn’t have chlorophyll; therefore; it cannot photosynthesize. The brown scales are what is left of leaves.

Where Is Squawroot Found?

Generally Squawroot is found in the Eastern United States and Canada. You have to look in old growth, mature forests of beech and oaks to find squawroot. Supposedly, they are an indicator of forest health.  I found these around the base of a mature oak tree in a forest filled with large, old beech and oak trees. Certainly, this forest looks healthy. I guess this find supports that conclusion.

 

The photo to the right was taken in late June.

Squawroot – Plant Particulars

Seeds dispersing in a rare native plant in VA.

Seeds Dispersing

Squawroot or Conopholis Americana (L.) Wall is a perennial plant that lives up to 10 years. Technically, it is a parasite. It attaches to the roots of oak trees for food. At the attachment site, the host root forms a knotty growth. Other than that, it does not damage the host. The bulk of the plant is underground. After about 4 years, the plant sends up the structures in the photos. These structures are small specialized flowering stems.  First they emerge with flowers. I missed the flowering stage. Fading flowers are replaced with seed pods. The seed pods resemble corn kernels. Seed capsules contain numerous seeds. Finally, after the seeds disperse, brown withered stalks remain. The photo below was taken around July 4. The phase from seed to withering is quite short.

Squawroot After Flowering and Seeding
Squawroot after Flowering and Seeding

Want to find out more about this rare native plant in VA? Check out these references.

Go on The Virtual Nature Trail at Penn State New Kensington and learn more.

Second, you can check out the U.S. Forest Service Plant of the Week page.

Finally, this article from Mountain Lake Biological Station at the University of Virginia has some additional information.