How to Grow and Care for Broomrapes

Small broomrape is a perennial parasitic plant. It is native to the Middle East but has been introduced into the United States, where it has been classified as a noxious weed. Severe infestations can cause crop failure.

Unlike other plants, ivy broomrape contains no chlorophyll, the element required to absorb light for photosynthesis. Ivy broomrape is considered a parasitic plant because it depends entirely on its host plant, ivy, for survival. Part of the scientific name, hederae, is derived from the Greek and means "of ivy."

The Scabious Sommerwurz is a parasitic plant whose stems reach up to 50 (rarely to 80) cm high and about 1.2 cm wide. At the base they are only slightly swollen and sparsely hairy and yellow colored. The leaves are 1.2 to 2.5 cm long and ovate-lanceolate and are dense in the lower part, sparse in the upper.

Slender broomrape is a herbaceous, parasitic plant that grows on Birdsfoot Trefoil and Horseshoe Vetches, amongst others. Slender broomrape has been declared a pest in parts of Australia, where it has been found parasitizing on crops. This tall member of the herb family has a self-supporting growth form.

Greater broomrape is a parasitic plant that is most often found growing on broom or gorse plants in scrubland and grassland. Greater broomrape is noted for its unpleasant aroma. It is a perennial.