Aureolaria pedicularia

Aureolaria pedicularia is a member of the family Orobanchaceae. Some common names for this plant include: fern-leaved false foxglove and fernleaf false foxglove.[3] Aureolaria pedicularia is a hemiparasitic plant that gets some of its nutrients from a plant host. This hosts are perennial trees of the genus Quercus (oaks). Aureolaria pedicularia is recognized by its yellow petal color and distinctive fern-like leaves.[4]

Aureolaria pedicularia is a member of the genus Aureolaria.[5] This plant has an average height from 1 foot to 4 feet, depending on the season.[6] Aureolaria pedicularia is a root hemiparasite meaning it attaches to the roots of its hosts. Aureolaria pedicularia selectively parasitizes oaks (Quercus). Aureolaria pedicularia gets its nutrients from oak (Fagaceae). The part of the roots from the parasite (Aureolaria pedicularia) that take the nutrients from the oak selectively parasitize the favored hosts (oak).[7][8]

Aureolaria pedicularia is in the family Orobanchaceae. This family is made up of 190 genera and 4,000 temperate species. Most species in the family Orobanchaceae, including Aureolaria pedicularia, are partial root parasites. Partial root parasites get their nutrients from another living plant.[9] Species in the genus Aureolaria are also known as the false foxglove.[10] Species in this genus are widespread over much of eastern North America. All members of this genus are root parasites. Observation was first presented by the noted American botanist Asa Gray.[5]

There are about 21 synonyms for Aureolaria pedicularia. The subspecies are Aureolaria pedicularia var. carolinensis Pennell and Aureolaria pedicularia var. ambigens Fernald.[11] These subspecies are distinguished by physical characteristics such as glandular hairs on the leaves and other traits such as the size.[6] The distribution and nativism for the various varieties for Aureolaria pedicularia need addition study.[12]

Two of the most common varieties ofAureolaria pedicularia's are A. pedicularia var. intercedens Pennell and A. pedicularia var. pedicularia. In North America, A. pedicularia var. intercedens is known from Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Also in North America, A. pedicularia var. pedicularia is known from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.[4]

Habitats for Aureolaria pedicularia include terrestrial locations such as cliffs, balds, ledges, forests, grasslands, ridges, rocky slopes, and woodlands.[4] This plant lives in partly shady areas to sunny areas. The soil typical for this plant is dry and sandy soil. Aureolaria pedicularia is most commonly found in open oak woods and savannas. The bloom season is from the months of May to October.[6]

The overall US distribution for Aureolaria pedicularia is throughout most of eastern North America the Great Lake states and parts of the mid-west[5]

Aureolaria pedicularia was used by the Cherokee as a drug for antidiarrheal purposes.[14] Also, Aureolaria pedicularia is commonly used as a food-plant by deer.[15]

In the state of Maine, the status for the presence of the plant Aureolaria pedicularia is considered uncommon. In the state of Vermont, it is extremely rare.[4] In the state of Minnesota, this plant is considered threatened.[6] One of the factors that contribute to the endangerment of Aureolaria pedicularia is the consumption of this plant by young larvae or deer. Overgrazing by deer of Aureolaria pedicularia may be a threat.[15] Forest fires are also a threat to this species.[15][16] Another factor that affects the population of Aureolaria pedicularia is the availability of its favored host, since it is a root parasite. This parasite plant uses the roots of oaks (Quercus) as a site for attachment. Without its host, Aureolaria pedicularia is not able to survive naturally because it depends on its hosts for its nutrients including sugars and proteins.[4]