American Broomrape Plant Care
Orobanche americana L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Conopholis americana, the American cancer-root, bumeh or bear corn, is a perennial, non-photosynthesizing parasitic plant. It is from the family Orobanchaceae and more recently from the genus Conopholis but also listed as Orobanche, native but not endemic to North America.
Part to full shade
At a glance
How do you care for American Broomrape?
American Broomrape grows best in part to full shade.
Where Is the American Broomrape Native To?
What Is the American Broomrape?
American Broomrape (Orobanche americana) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Orobanche genus. American Broomrape is native to North America.
American Broomrape displays a parasitic herbaceous growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . American Broomrape produces tubular flowers in various colors.
What Light Does the American Broomrape Need?
American Broomrape thrives in part to full shade. Avoid placing American Broomrape in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Part to full shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a American Broomrape?
Well-draining sandy or loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for American Broomrape to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a American Broomrape?
Does not require potting as it is a parasitic plant. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a American Broomrape?
American Broomrape can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to branched broomrape plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the American Broomrape Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list American Broomrape, 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 American Broomrape?
American Broomrape is susceptible to no common pests known. 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.
Keep exploring plants
American Broomrape 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 Orobanche genus — compare its care with other Orobanche species on PlantoScan.
Orobanche is part of the Orobanchaceae plant family — browse all Orobanchaceae genera and species.
American Broomrape copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Orobanche Species
Other Orobanche species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Orobanche americana L., family Orobanchaceae (first published in Mant. Pl. : 88 (1767)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list American Broomrape, 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.
- 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.
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