Yellow owl’s-clover (Orthocarpus luteus, Gen. N. Amer. Pl. 2: 57 (1818))

Family: Orobanchaceae

Author: Nutt.

Bibliography: Gen. N. Amer. Pl. 2: 57 (1818)

Year: 1818

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Orthocarpus

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & C. Canada to W. & C. U.S.A.

Description

Yellow owl’s-clover, known scientifically as Orthocarpus luteus, is a vibrant and intriguing member of the Orobanchaceae family. Its significance was first documented by Nuttall in 1818, as noted in the second volume of “Genera of North American Plants.”

This delightful herbaceous plant is characterized by its strikingly bright yellow flowers, which resemble the shape of an owl in flight, hence its common name. Adapted to thrive in a variety of North American climates, Yellow owl’s-clover can be found flourishing from the western and central regions of Canada down through the western and central areas of the United States.

Orthocarpus luteus typically inhabits grasslands, open woodlands, and other areas where it can receive ample sunlight. This annual plant contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem health by participating in pollination networks, attracting a range of pollinators with its vivid blossoms.

The distinct yellow hue of its flowers not only makes it a noticeable addition to the floral tapestry of its habitat but also serves a crucial role in its reproductive strategy, drawing in pollinators that facilitate its lifecycle. Despite its delicate appearance, Yellow owl’s-clover is a resilient species, managing to endure and adapt to different environmental conditions across its broad geographic range.

As a member of the broomrape family, Orthocarpus luteus is a hemiparasitic plant, meaning it partially relies on other plants for nourishment while still performing photosynthesis. This unique characteristic allows it to gain essential nutrients from the roots of nearby plants, enhancing its survival and growth in various terrains.

Yellow owl’s-clover not only adds aesthetic beauty to natural landscapes but also plays an essential role in supporting the ecological balance, making it a valuable species in its native regions.

Common Names

Eng: golden-tongue owl-clover, yellow owl’s-clover, yellow owlclover, golden-tongue owl’s-clover, yellow owl-clover
Fra: orthocarpe jaune
En: Yellow owl’s-clover, Golden-Tongue Owl-Clover, YELLOW OWLCLOVER, Golden-tongue owl’s-clover, Yellow owl-clover
Fr: Orthocarpe jaune

Synonyms

• Orthocarpus strictus (Benth.)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Peter Donaldson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2020 by Tessa Giroux (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3171645)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:806531-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Orthocarpus luteus Nutt.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Crown

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.5

Ph minimum: 6.0