Family: Orobanchaceae
Author: (L.) Wallr.
Bibliography: Orobanches Gen. Diask.: 78 (1825)
Year: 1825
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Conopholis
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: C. & E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A., S. Mexico, Costa Rica to Panama
Description
Squawroot, scientifically known as Conopholis americana, is a notable plant belonging to the Orobanchaceae family. This interesting species, first described in 1825 under the designation “Orobanches Gen. Diask.: 78” by the botanist (L.) Wallr., displays a distinctive growth habit that sparks curiosity among botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Squawroot primarily thrives across a widespread range in North America, encompassing both Central and Eastern Canada and stretching down to the Northeastern and Southeastern United States. Its presence extends further south into territories as far-reaching as Southern Mexico and even traverses into the rich biodiversity of Central America, reaching Costa Rica and Panama.
Unlike many plants, Squawroot is a parasitic species that does not rely on photosynthesis. Instead, it derives nutrients from the roots of host trees, particularly oaks. This unique mode of survival enables Squawroot to grow in environments where traditional plant growth might be limited, making it a fascinating subject for ecological and botanical studies.
Characteristically, Squawroot manifests with a peculiar appearance that resembles a compact cluster of woody, cone-like structures protruding from the ground. These structures are actually the plant’s inflorescence, which emerges once most of its lifecycle has been completed underground. Seen primarily during the spring, these flower spikes provide essential sustenance to various insects, thereby contributing to the local ecosystem.
In folklore and traditional uses, Squawroot has possessed a myriad of uses, especially among Native American tribes. It has been reported to have medicinal properties, particularly for treating ailments related to childbearing and menstruation, which perhaps contributed to its common name.
Overall, Squawroot represents a remarkable example of nature’s diversity and adaptability. Its parasitic lifestyle, extensive range, and unique morphological traits continue to make it a subject of significant botanical interest and ecological value.
Common Names
Eng: american cancer-root, squaw-root, squawroot, american cancerroot
Fra: conopholis d’amérique
En: Squawroot, American cancer-root, Squaw-root, American cancerroot
Fr: Conopholis d’Amérique
Synonyms
- Orobanche americana (L.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Michigan (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Mar 26, 2020 by Elly Hutchinson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2022 by Jim Kilmer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 28, 2022 by William Wattles (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2019 by Sair (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2021 by Nico Nou (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 22, 2021 by Tom Miller (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Emily Dickinson (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2021 by Chris Jeffery (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2019 by Svetlana Egorova (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2019 by Jeff Parrott (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 27, 2013 by EOL − Talia Elliott (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 10, 2013 by EOL − brucehesselbach (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 7, 2013 by EOL − athryn (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 17, 2013 by EOL − athryn (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 28, 2013 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)
Fruit
Taken Aug 1, 2014 by EOL − Ann Walter-Fromson (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 19, 2019 by Diana Nelson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2021 by chase doane (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2020 by anorah anorah (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 17, 2021 by rgallagher562 (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Dec 18, 2015 by EOL − fawnee014 (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 13, 2014 by EOL − Matthew O’Donnell (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2015 by EOL − Kelly Fuerstenberg (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 10, 2014 by EOL − Ron Edwards (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 25, 2020 by Heather (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3173310)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:661990-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Conopholis americana (L.) Wallr.)