LATHRAEA

DESCRIPTION: This spreading perennial, also known as Toothwort, is originally found in the damp woods and streamside meadows of southwestern Europe. This plant grows as a parasite on the roots of Willow or Poplar trees. This plant doesn't produce true leaves; rather, they grow as fleshy scales on the rhizomes. Toothworts produce hooded, tubular, 2-lipped, purple flowers in short heads, at soil level in late winter and early spring. They grow up to 4 inches high with an indefinite spread.

POTTING: This plant needs moist soil in shade or dappled shade at the roots of Willow or Poplar trees.

PROPAGATION: Fresh seeds may be sown in moist soil, at the roots of the host trees, in late summer.

VARIETIES: L. clandestina.

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