Ericaceae

Monotropa uniflora

Indian Pipe

Pure white plant, groups of erect stems. Plant is occasionally pinkish, turning black with age. Stems fleshy, unbranched, with small, oval, colorless scales. Single flower at top is nodding, to 1 in. long, a cylinder-shaped bell formed by 5 overlapping petals. Grows in humus in deep shaded conifer forests at low elevations. Distinguished from phantom orchid, Cephalanthera austiniae, another white saprophyte, which has several outward-facing flowers along stem.

• Rarity: Rare
• Flowering Time: Late Spring, Early Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 2--10 inches
• Habitat: Coastal, West-Side Forest
• Found In: Olympic Np, Mt. Rainier Np, West Gorge, Crater Lake Np, N Cascades Np
• Native: Yes