Family
Orobanchaceae (Scrophulariaceae)
Distribution in Canada
O. hederae, O. ramosa and O. aegyptiaca are not found in Canada.
Common native species found in Canada are
- O. fasciculata: YT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON
- O. ludoviciana: BC, AB, SK, MB
- O. uniflora: all provinces (except in YT, NT, NU and NL)
Duration of life cycle
Annual or perennial
Seed/Fruit type
True seed
Seed identification features
Size
- length: 0.2–0.5 mm
- width: 0.1–0.3 mm
Shape
- outline variation: oval, oblong, teardrop- or wedge-shaped
Surface texture
- surface is covered in deep cells (usually glossy), but a few have a floury coating within the cells (O. ramosa)
Colour
- pale yellow (immature), golden yellow (common), orange or brown
Other structures
- without magnification, seeds appear as dust particles
Similar species
Witchweed (Striga spp.)
- found only in the southeastern United States
- similar to Orobanche spp. in small size, colour and shape
- surface texture of Striga spp. is composed of concentric ridges, not cells (as in Orobanche spp.)
Photos
Similar species
