American Bluehearts
Buchnera americana, commonly known as American Bluehearts, is a species in the Broomrape (Orobanchaceae) family. It is found in prairies, glades, moist areas, wet depressions, and open woods. It favors high quality habitats.
It is found in widely scattered counties across Arkansas. Outside of Arkansas it is found in the south-central states, along the Gulf and southern Atlantic Coasts and in Florida.
Closeup of the flowers
American Bluehearts are hemi-parasites. They are able to parasitize a wide variety of woody and non-woody plants or none if necessary. We know they can parasitize a range of trees, from oaks to pines to cottonwoods.
The flowers are held at the top of a slender inflorescence roughly 16 to 30 inches tall
Bloom time is summer and early to mid fall in Arkansas. The species is fire-dependent for seed germination and growth.
Immature fruit
Article and photographs by ANPS member Eric Hunt
Arkansas Native Plant Society 