Downy False Foxglove (Aureolaria virginica), flowers during the summer months, June through August.
Downy False Foxglove is a perennial hemiparasite. Hemiparasite means that it depends upon its host for some of its nutrients. In this case, Downy False Foxglove depends upon Oak trees (Quercus), mainly White Oaks (Quercus alba), getting these nutrients through their roots. Since this plant also possesses chlorophyll, it can carry out its own photosynthesis to produce nutrients.
It is native to eastern North America. The flowers open in the early part of the day and close in the afternoon.
The “downy” portion of its name refers to its leaves and stems, which have extremely short hairs covering their surface.
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