Ericaceae

Allotropa virgata

Sugarstick

Erect, nongreen, hairless. A thick white stalk with deep red stripes that arises from the ground and persists long after seed dispersal. Flowers are bowl-shaped, white, with 5 petals and 10 stamens. Grows in mixed or conifer forests at mid- to high elevations. Flowers face upward when fresh and turn downward as the numerous seeds develop.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: Mid Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 5--15 in
• Habitat: West-Side Forest
• Found In: West Gorge, Mt. Rainier Np, N Cascades Np, Olympic Np
• Native: Yes