Aureolaria flava

Aureolaria flava is described as arching, ascending or erect. Often growing up to 50–250 cm long, the stem and leaves of this plant are characteristically mostly glabrous. Aureolaria flava has distinctly pinnatifid leaves. Commonly 6–15 cm long, leaf apex acute, opposite or decussate, and margins entire. Leaf adaxial deep green with light amounts of nonglandular puberulous hairs. The abaxial side of the leaf is lighter green and glabrous. Aureolaria flava has bright yellow flowers June to September. Bell shaped calyces between 9–16 mm long, 5 lobed, glabrous, linear, with entire margins. Bell shaped corollas 35–60 mm long, glabrous externally, pubescent at the internal base and lobe margins. 4 stamens fused to the base of the corolla tube. Anthers up to 7mm long spurred at the base surround with dark green nectary ring. Aureolaria flava has small fruit capsules 12–20 mm long which are often glabrous and ovoid. Seeds are 1.7-2.7 mm long, with coarse winglike ridges. Aureolaria flava is often mistaken for other members of its genus however the glabrous stem is very distinct to providing easy differentiation. == Habitat and host species ==

Aureolaria flava is hemiparasitic, establishing connection between its roots and those of its host plant via a haustoria, a specialized type of root. Aureolaria flava is only partially parasitic as it photosynthesizes and contains green tissue, the host plant provides water, additional sugars, and proteins to supplement the needs of the plant. Aureolaria flava grows commonly within hardwood forests preferring oaks specifically white oaks. Subsequently there is a preference for well drained soils, although A. flava can still be found within diverse habitats. == Range and conservation status ==

Aureolaria flava has a broad distribution in the eastern United States and Canada. The plant is listed as critically imperiled within the state of Delaware. Aureolaria flava is considered imperiled in Pennsylvania, Vermont and Ontario. This concerning status of Aureolaria flava within several states is due to a reliance on semi-open oak ecosytems. Oak ecosystems are under threat for a variety of reasons within eastern North America which directly puts Aureolaria flava at risk. Odocoileus virginianus, white tailed deer, also present a significant threat to A. flava with continually growing deer populations leading to increased predation of many plant species. == Synonyms ==

Aureolaria flava has many synonyms due in part due to its reclassification from the Scrophulariaceae to the Orobanchaceae and generic reclassification. Listed below many of the commonly accepted synonyms of Aureolaria flava. Agalinis flava (L.) B.Boivin Aureolaria calycosa (Mack. & Bush) Aureolaria flava var. integrifolia Farw. Aureolaria flava var. reticulata (Raf.) Pennell Aureolaria flava subsp. reticulata (Raf.) Pennell Aureolaria reticulata Raf. Aureolaria villosa Raf. Dasistoma aurea Raf. Dasistoma calycosa Mack. & Bush Dasistoma flava (L.) Alph.Wood Dasistoma pubescens Benth. Dasystoma flava (L.) Alph. Wood Gerardia calycosa (Mack. & Bush) Fernald Gerardia flava L. Gerardia flava var. calycosa (Mack. & Bush) Steyerm. Gerardia flava var. macrantha (Pennell) Fernald Gerardia flava var. reticulata (Raf.) Cory Gerardia villosa Muhl. ex Raf. == Ecosystem interactions ==

Aureolaria flava are pollinated by and provide nectar to bumble bees and hummingbirds among other common pollinators. This species also plays a crucial role as a larval host plant for Euphydryas phaeton. == Additional info ==

Aureolaria flava has been suggested to have been used as a antidiarrheal drug within indigenous tribes in North America. ==Ecology==

Aureolaria flava is insect pollinated and is recorded to have been visited in northern Florida by the bee species Lasioglossum reticulatum. ==References==