[1] It is endemic to California and grows in forest openings and woodlands.

[2] Orobanche vallicola is a parasite growing attached to the roots of other plants, generally Sambucus species.

The plant produces a thick, hairy, glandular pinkish stem up to about 40 centimeters tall.

As a parasite taking its nutrients from a host plant, it lacks leaves and chlorophyll.

Each tubular flower is up to 3 centimeters long, yellowish to pinkish and red-veined in color.