The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: beechdrops

Family: Scrophulariaceae (figwort family)

Distribution: s.-c and n.e. North America

Life form: Annual

Comments: A rule of thumb to remember: where there’s a beech, there are (usually) beechdrops! Beechdrops is an obligate parasite on beech trees (Fagus grandifolia). Lacking chlorophyll so it cannot photosynthesize like other plants, it grows on and obtains its nutrients from the roots, but does not cause any significant harm to the tree. Brown stems bear small white and purple tubular flowers that appear in summer through fall; you can still see the dried flower stalks in winter. Beechdrops have two types of flowers – one that requires cross pollination, which is facilitated by ants, and another that can self-pollinate. The presence or absence of beechdrops can be a useful indicator of forest health because of their host-specific dependence and environmental sensitivity.