Blue Broomrape

Appearance

The 1.8-3 cm large corollas are white at the base, but are otherwise dark-veined blue in color. The calyx has four lanceolate teeth and a fifth tooth at the rear. The flowering period runs from June to July.
The winter buds are located underground. The fruit is a capsule.

Naming

Synonyms are Phelypaea coerulea, Orobanche coerulea and Orobanche arenaria.

Distribution

The native range of this species is Canary Islands, Morocco, Europe to Mediterranean and W. Himalaya.

Habitat

It grows on dry, nutrient-poor to moderately nutrient-rich soil, which is not to moderately calcareous, and neutral to weakly alkaline.

Food

The plant is a parasite and does not have chlorophyll. The species parasitizes common yarrow and various wormwood species.