In several botany books this plant is referred to as “Bastard Toadflax” (Comandra umbellata) — member of the Sandalwood Family. Oddly enough, the plant is photosynthetic, manufacturing its own food; it is also parasitic in obtaining some of its nutrients from the roots of shrubs and trees.
The plant is found in dry fields and waste places, flowering during April-June in Pittsylvania County. I have stumbled across only one Toadflax site, and this is one of the plants pictured in this article. Since the plant is just 6 to 16 inches in height, it's quite likely that I have overlooked other Toadflax sites.
Also see this illustration in larger format.
Copyright © 2007 William T. Hathaway.