Squawroot
Conopholis americana
from the link ☼
The scientific name of the Squawroot is Conopholis Americana. It is also known as cancerwroot. It is a non-green plant that has yellowish flowers emerging from beneath lancelate or ovate leaves. The flower is approximately 1.3cm long. The height of the Squawroot is 3-10 inches. It flowers in May-June. It is often found under oaks or in woods. Its range is Nova Scotia and New England, south to Florida, west to Alabama, and north to Wisconsin. The Squawroot has a pine-like scaly stalk that becomes dry and brown with age. It gets its nourishment from the roots of trees, primarily oaks. Black bears use it for food when they come out of hibernation. They eat it to help them go to the bathroom in the winter. (must be true since I have never seen a bear near one of these)
Mike Devore~Grade 6~Slippery Rock Middle School
