About

Aureolaria flava, commonly called smooth yellow false foxglove or Gérardie jaune, is a species of plant in the broomrape family that is native to the eastern United States and some parts of southern Canada. Aureolaria flava is a species of flowering plants found within the genus Aureolaria. Aureolaria plants are hemiparasitic, which is a character that in part describes its residing family Orobanchaceae.

It is a perennial that produces yellow flowers in the late summer on herbaceous stems.

Where it grows

Aureolaria flava is hemiparasitic, establishing connection between its roots and those of its host plant via a haustoria, a specialized type of root. Aureolaria flava is only partially parasitic as it photosynthesizes and contains green tissue, the host plant provides water, additional sugars, and proteins to supplement the needs of the plant. Aureolaria flava grows commonly within hardwood forests preferring oaks specifically white oaks. Subsequently there is a preference for well drained soils, although A. flava can still be found within diverse habitats. It is suggested that as a weak parasite Aureolaria flava does little to no damage large host trees and may even help absorb some mineral nutrients for the trees.

Other Aureolaria plants

Largeflower yellow false foxglove · Appalachian Oak Leech · Spreading yellow false foxglove · Combleaf yellow false foxglove · Fernleaf yellow false foxglove · Downy yellow false foxglove · False Foxglove