Family: Orobanchaceae/ Broomrape
Ecology/ Botany:
This widespread perennial grows at mid to high elevations on open, grassy slopes or disturbed ground. It prefers Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir forest zones. It takes selenium from the soil and is high in this mineral where the soil content is high.
Medicinal/ Other Uses:
It was considered sacred to some indigenous cultures. It is edible but can be toxic if too much is consumed due to the high selenium content. There are some references to treatment of sexually transmitted infections with a decoction of the roots. The flower has a sweet nectar that hummingbirds enjoy.
References/ Other useful links:
Parish, Coupe, Lloyd. 1996. Plants of Southern Interior British Columbia. B. C. Ministry of Forests and Lone Pine Publishing.
E-Flora BC Atlas Page/ linnet.geog.ubc.ca