This is a native plant, but it is not available in the 2026 Wild Ones plant sale.
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Smooth Yellow False Foxglove
Aureolaria flava
PerennialSmooth Yellow False Foxglove
Aureolaria flava
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Part – Full Shade
Water
Dry – Medium
Soil
Loam
Size
3-5'
Bloom
Yellow, Jul–Sep
Why Grow It
Shade Tolerant
Grows well in partial to full shade
Deer Resistant
Great for gardens without fencing
Pollinator Magnet
Attracts many types of pollinators
Late Bloomer
Provides nectar when others have faded
Did You Know?
Smooth Yellow False Foxglove is hemiparasitic on oaks — it sends specialized roots called haustoria into white oak roots to steal water and nutrients while still making its own food through photosynthesis.
The large, 2-inch yellow trumpet flowers are pollinated primarily by bumblebees, which must force their way inside the tubular blooms to reach the nectar.
Because it depends on a living oak host, this plant cannot be easily grown in gardens without nearby oak trees — it is one of the few native wildflowers that literally needs a tree partner to thrive.
Wildlife Value
🐝
Bumblebees
Primary pollinators of bright yellow flowers
🦋
Baltimore Checkerspot
Larvae depend on this host plant
🐦
Hummingbirds
Visit tubular blooms for nectar
Good Companions
🌿 Wild Geranium
🌸 Woodland Phlox
🌼 Black Cohosh
🌾 Bottlebrush Grass
Planting Guide
- Plant near oak trees; hemiparasitic on oak roots.
- Sow seed in fall in part shade with leaf litter.
- Difficult to transplant — it forms a parasitic relationship with oak roots, so plant near oaks and avoid moving.
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li