Lathraea clandestina

Beautiful colour Dawn seems our weather has nt stopped them .

I've seen this parasitic plant growing wild years ago in the county of Avon.

It's on the roots of my willow Siris.

Thats spread considerably since last year Dawn. Isnt the colour just lovely?

Specific to Willow,Poplar, and Alder.

Does it weaken its host?

It is vibrant. It’s never attached to alder, yet. I’ve never noticed it affecting the host but they’re common willow so it don’t really matter, it’s popping up in different places some 4 metres from original planting site, it seems to be reaching for drier ground. The seeds catapult out apparently, I would like to catch some but I think you have to be there just at the right time.