California Groundcone (Boschniakia strobilacea)
Jacksonville Cemetery, Jacksonville, OR, 4/2018.
We found this parasitic, purple-hued “flower” in a couple wooded locations in an early southern Oregon trip, co-existing with its favorite plants, Manzanita and Madrone. Instead of roots, these plants (like Mistletoe) have haustoria that connect to the roots of the host plant and extract nutrients. This species is a shorter, more attractive sister of the Northern Groundcone we saw a few years ago in Alaska, living off Alder tree roots.
The yellow-tipped tube flowers alternate with pine bracts or scales that combine to form a tight cone, often mistaken for a pinecone. Some refer to these plants as herbs.
Jacksonville, OR 4/2018.
Lost Creek Lake, OR 4/2018.
Pacific Crest Trail, Shasta Trinity National Forest, CA, 7/2023.
Lost Creek Lake, OR 4/2018.
nwwildflowers 
Do they harm the host plant in any way?
February 2, 2019 at 8:06 pm
Good Question…To our knowledge, given that these plants lack chlorophyll, they get most or all of their nutrients from the host plant. That said, we’re not sure if they physically harm the host plant. Host plants often adapt to this sort of arrangement.
February 3, 2019 at 8:48 pm