Aphyllon cooperi Plant Care
Aphyllon cooperi A.Gray
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Orobanche cooperi is a species of broomrape known by the common name Cooper's broomrape desert broomrape, spike broomrape, and burroweed strangler. It is native to the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it is a parasite growing attached to the roots of other plants, usually members of the Asteraceae, such as Artemisia, Hymenoclea, Ambrosia and Encelia.
Every 7–14 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Aphyllon cooperi?
Plant Aphyllon cooperi in partial to full shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C).
Where Is the Aphyllon cooperi Native To?
What Is the Aphyllon cooperi?
Aphyllon cooperi (Aphyllon cooperi) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Aphyllon genus. Aphyllon cooperi is native to the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Aphyllon cooperi displays a low, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Aphyllon cooperi produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Aphyllon cooperi?
Water a young or newly planted Aphyllon cooperi every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Aphyllon cooperi Need?
Aphyllon cooperi thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Aphyllon cooperi in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
50–200 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Aphyllon cooperi Prefer?
Aphyllon cooperi tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Aphyllon cooperi prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Aphyllon cooperi?
Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Aphyllon cooperi to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
Where Should You Plant a Aphyllon cooperi?
Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Aphyllon cooperi is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Aphyllon cooperi?
Aphyllon cooperi can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Aphyllon cooperi?
Prune Aphyllon cooperi while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Aphyllon cooperi in Winter?
Aphyllon cooperi is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Aphyllon cooperi?
Aphyllon cooperi can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aphyllon californicum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Aphyllon cooperi Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Aphyllon cooperi, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Aphyllon cooperi?
Aphyllon cooperi is susceptible to not commonly affected by pests. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Aphyllon cooperi Need?
Aphyllon cooperi grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Aphyllon cooperi is native to the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Aphyllon cooperi as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Aphyllon cooperi is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aphyllon genus — compare its care with other Aphyllon species on PlantoScan.
Aphyllon is part of the Orobanchaceae plant family — browse all Orobanchaceae genera and species.
Aphyllon cooperi copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aphyllon cooperi A.Gray, family Orobanchaceae (first published in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 20: 307 (1885)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Aphyllon cooperi, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
