American Cancer-Root [Conopholis americana] found near the Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost 437, along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, on 25 July 2013. It’s a member of the Broom-rape (Orobanchaceae) family. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide, pages 18-19, says its yellow flowers bloom in late spring and is a “parasite on tree roots, especially oaks.” The guide lists it’s older …
