Found in dry, acidic woods and sandy pine barrens, Narrowleaf Cow Wheat is a delicate and easily overlooked annual. Its slender stems are lined with narrow, grass-like leaves. In summer, small, tubular, two-lipped flowers of a pale, creamy yellow peek out from where the upper leaves meet the stem.

But its unassuming appearance hides a clever survival strategy. This plant is a hemiparasite—while it photosynthesizes, it also discreetly taps its roots into those of nearby oaks and blueberries, stealing water and nutrients to thrive. Its seeds are often carried off by ants, ensuring the next generation of this subtle forest thief.