Nodding broomrape (Orobanche cernua) is a parasitic plant of Sunflower, and Solanaceae. It is a native of Eurasia and Africa.
Broomrape is best recognized by its yellow-to-straw coloured stems completely lacking chlorophyll, bearing yellow, white or blue, snapdragon-like flowers. Broomrape seedlings put out a root-like growth, which attaches to the roots of nearby hosts. Once attached to a host, the broomrape robs its host of water and nutrients.
For more information about this plant pest, see the CABI data sheet.