Photos & Information
The Society
Connecticut Plants
Chaffseed
Schwalbea americana
Chaffseed is on the federal endangered species list. It has not been seen in Connecticut for decades; these plants were photographed farther south.
- Family: broomrape (Orobanchaceae)
- Habitat: open areas with moist sandy or peaty soil
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Flower size: 1 to 1-1/2 inches long
- Flower color: reddish-purple and yellowish
- Flowering time: June to July
- Origin: native
Chaffseed flowers, even in full bloom, look closed. Photographed in New Jersey in late June.
A young chaffseed plant, photographed in New Jersey in early June.