beechdrops, Epifagus virginiana

Beechdrops sounds like something you might find in an old time candy display. Instead you will only find them under beech trees. Or rarely maples if they make that mistake. Beechdrops are a parasite with no chlorophyll, and leaves reduces to small bracts. They're completely dependent on the beech tree hosts. Notice those unopened buds below the expanded flowers? Those will not open, instead fertilizing themselves. Beechdrops grow in AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV, NB, NS, ON, PE, and QC. Grand Traverse Co MI, 9/16/13. Broomrape family, Orobanchaceae.