Nature Question. Cant figure out what this odd looking plant is! (Pic)

[GirlieChick]

I walk around the woods alot here looking for mushrooms that grow here. Ive seen alot of these odd looking things. When you pick them, they just break in half. Can anyone tell me what this is?!?!

 

[buckeyechick]

This is called Squaw Root. It is a parasitic plant that grows on the roots of Oak trees. At the end of summer, it will dry up and go away. It's a common woodland plant.

 

[sfw2]

Cool! I've never seen that before!

 

[GirlieChick]

Thanks. I have never seen this either before I moved here. Lol
It looks kinda cool tho!