Boschniakia Species, Broomrape, Ground Cone, Northern Groundcone

I first found this unusual plant growing behind our pole barn on the Kenai Peninsula of Seward, Alaska. The brown fleshy spikes resemble ...Read Moreupright pine cones situated between smooth brown bracts. In late spring/early summer, red-brown flowers appear on the bracts. The dried bracts remain after freeze, where they are visible in winter and early spring.

Boschniakia rossica is a parasitic plant that is hosted primarily by our shrubby mountain alder, though sometimes other native shrubs such as willow will serve as host. Short tuberish parts attach to the host roots. Consequently, B. rossica is found in woodlands and thickets.

Bears feed upon B. rossica, and it has been determined that this plant is attractive to cats, much like catnip. It is considered a medicinal herb in some parts of the world. This is an endangered species in northern Russia.