Broomrape (Orobanche ludoviciana)

Family: Orobanchaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Orobanche ludoviciana is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). 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: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root - roasted. Stem. Base of young stems roasted. — Base of young stems roasted.

Habitat & North American Range

Grows on sandy soils on the plains where it is parasitic on the roots of Ambrosia spp and other members of the Compositae. It is found below 1200 metres in California. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)