California Broomrape (Orobanche californica)

Family: Orobanchaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Orobanche californica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Underground stems - raw or cooked. A succulent texture, they are very thirst quenching. — Underground stems - raw or cooked.; A succulent texture, they are very thirst quenching.

Habitat & North American Range

Parasitic on Artemisia tridentata, growing on open slopes in foothills and valleys below 1500 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)