First, clear back in the 1300’s England, rape was the word for the root of a turnip. It also meant “speed.” This plant is a parasite as it grows on the dead roots of plants, particularly the sagebrush. It has a hairy five-petaled flower. There is a similar, larger rape that grows on roots at the river, meaning South Platte. It’s picture is in the “Plants at the River” category on this site.
