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Have been given a piece of this beautiful parasitic wild flower. I was told it would survive on willow twigs and sticks doesn't necessarily need live host. Anyone know if this will work ok , don't think garden is big enough for a willow.Any advice greatfully recieved.

Not heard of this one Carbonel11, off to have a google. :)

Well that's unusual, where did you come across it? It certainly seems it's a parasitic plant, but not confined to the willow (never a good idea in a smallish garden, I know this ::) ;D) )
Plenty of info from googling it. ;) I'm sure someone with a good knowledge will be along soon.

Hi Emagggie, I got it from a friend who has loads growing in her garden,she was given a small piece years ago. The plant itself is more common in the south med I think although it is completely hardy it's rare in the uk. She feeds it on willow twigs and it seems to work for her but I suspect my fingers are not quite so green. I'm fascinated by how it might feed, nothing i've googled seems to describe how it works.

Got the book of words out now, it says:
Lathraea
scrophulariaceae.
Genus of 7 species of leafless, mainly subterranean, parasitic perenialsfrom damp woodland etc. etc. (stuff we know)
Grow at base of host tree or shrub.
Clandestina (the purple one)grows on alder, willow and poplar.
Fully hardy
Grow in moist but well drained soil in partial shade. Mulch with leaf mould in autumn.
For propagation..scatter seed at base of a suitable host plant as soon as ripe.
Trouble free from pests and diseases.

It looks to me as if you will have to first grow your tree!
Best of luck.  ;D

I may be in luck,possibly have an Alder growing wild .in my woodland hedgerow bit out the front. I'll have to try and classify it tomorrow, anyone got any tips on a quick easy way to identify Alder? If I remember right the leaves look a lot like Hazels.

wow aren't you lucky i would have love to receive this gift i would have the perfect spot for it.

i found this site for winter id of trees (you will have to scroll down) hope it helps:

http://www.nifg.org.uk/wintertrees4.htm

wish you the best with you plant hope it grows well.

Thanks thifasmom,don't know what I was thinking about the leafs,obviously aint got none this time of year! The spring weather on Friday obviously went to my head  ;D. That identification link was ace and looks like i've got alder. Cheers  :)

glad to be of help, let us know if they catch and grow well.

wow that looks so cool, (we need a green eyed monster smiley)
good luck with it, please post some pictures when you get it going

lbb