Ericaceae

Monotropa hypopithys

Pinesap

Plants erect, light yellowish to dull brown, clear yellow or red. Stems single or in clumps. Small scale-like leaves along stems. Waxy flowers 20–30, bell-shaped, nodding, atop stem. A saprophyte in old conifer forests in deep shade and deep humus, widespread around the world. Monotropa refers to the flowers all facing one way. Pinesap, like other plants with no chlorophyll, saps the roots of nearby plants for food.

• Rarity: Uncommon
• Flowering Time: All Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 2--10 inches
• Habitat: West-Side Forest, East-Side Forest
• Found In: Olympic Np, Mt. Rainier Np, N Cascades Np, Wallowas, Crater Lake Np
• Native: Yes