Diohio's Garden

About this plant

Species: Epifagus virginiana.

Native perennial root-parasite commonly found beneath or in the vicinity of Beech trees. This plant is also called Cancer Drops, Clapwort, and Virginia Broomrape. In herbal medicine, it has been used to treat dysentery, cancer and gonorrhea (clap). Although common, Beechdrops are often overlooked because the slender plants blend with the brown leaves on the forest floor. Flowers are not showy unless you get up real close.