Common broomrape

It belongs to the Orobanchaceae family of non-photosynthetic plants that parasitize other autotrophic plants.
O. minor is parasitic on various members of the pea (Fabaceae) and daisy (Asteraceae) families. Its appearance is sporadic; it can occur in vast colonies from time to time (this is the first year I notice them at ths location). The main flowering season is from May until the end of August.