Purple Toothwort
Lathraea clandestina
Lathraea clandestina neons-sur-creuse 36 11052008 5 by Olivier Pichard (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Partial Shade
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
7a
USDA zone
-18°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
30cm | Max | 50cm |
1cm | Min | 10cm |
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
More images of Purple Toothwort
Purple Toothwort Overview
Lathraea clandestina is a parasitic perennial plant from the Orobanchaceae family. It is commonly known by the name Purple Toothwort after the pretty purple, sometimes pinkish flowers. This species is native to Belgium, France, Italy and Spain, it has also been introduced to Great Britain. It grows on the roots of a range of host plants, often Populus (Poplar) and Salix (Willow) species. It completely lacks chlorophyll and thus doesn't produce true leaves or photosynthesise. Often found in damp woodland environments, it can parasitise a variety of garden ornamental trees and shrubs including those in the genera Acer, Alnus, Buxus, Carpinus, Corylus, Juglans, Metasequoia, Rhododendron, Taxus and Gunnera.
How to propagate Purple Toothwort
Seed
Seed when fresh in late summer.