Yellow specimens are also not uncommon and it is this extreme variability that makes identification on the basis of size or colour uncertain.

Common broomrape is one of the most widespread species, and is native to Southern Europe,[6] but has been widely introduced elsewhere, for example in the United States.

[9][10] Four infraspecific taxa of Common broomrape are currently recognised in the United Kingdom: O. minor var.

The genetic structure of populations of O. minor are under investigation using molecular markers and DNA sequencing to help resolve the taxonomic and nomenclatural problems that have historically been linked with this species.

[13] The common broomrape is highly generalist in its host range, and can infect hundreds of species in families from the Ranunculaceae to the Poaceae (=Gramineae) but with a clear preference for the Fabaceae (=Leguminosae) and Asteraceae (=Compositae).

[15] Urgent conservation efforts are required as the survival of some intraspecific taxa is very uncertain.