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Orobanche californica

Species category

Flower

Common name

California broomrape

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

Irregularly obovate

Size

  • Length 0.3–0.6 mm 
  • Width 0.2–0.3 mm 
  • Thickness 0.2–0.3 mm 

Color

Light brown with some white

Texture

Deeply reticulate

Other structures

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 is small and on pointed end.

Identification notes

Reticulations have shiny walls and bases.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

All species of Orobanche are regulated as plant pests under 7 CFR 330, but not all species are listed on the federal noxious weed list. Learn more about Orobanche spp. and Phelipanche spp. on ITP's Federal Noxious Weed Disseminules tool.

AOSA examination list

Not included

More information

For more information, see ISMA fact sheet, Orobanche and Phelipanche spp.

Nomenclature

Family

Orobanchaceae

Valid name

Orobanche californica Cham. & Schltdl.

Orobanche californica. Shiny and reticulate seeds. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Orobanche californica. Shiny and reticulate seeds. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Orobanche californica. Seeds with a small hilum on a pointed end. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Orobanche californica. Seeds with a small hilum on a pointed end. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.