Purple toothwort
Lathraea clandestina
Purple toothwort is a fascinating holoparasitic plant that produces stunning violet flowers in early spring but has no green leaves and cannot photosynthesize — it must be planted near a compatible host tree such as willow, alder, or hazel to survive. Establishing it requires patience and the right host root contact, making it a rewarding challenge for specialist gardeners. Keep the planting area consistently moist and shaded, and avoid disturbing the root zone once planted.
Care Level
High
Sun
Partial Shade
Water
Moderate
Growth Rate
Moderate
Mature Height
12″ – 36″
Soil
loam
Life Cycle
Perennial
Spacing
18″
Watering Schedule
Every 5-7 Days • Keep Soil Consistently Moist; Never Allow To Fully Dry Out As It Is A Root Parasite Dependent On Host Plant Health
Soil pH
7 – 7.5
Temperature
-20° – 85°F
Mature Spread
up to 24″
Root Depth
Medium
Foliage
Medium
Propagation: Seed, Cutting
Native to
Attracts
Sources
Data: trefle
Image: trefle.io — Taken Mar 23, 2018 by anne daudin (cc-by-sa)
No nurseries currently have this species in stock.