Native Plants
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Allotropa virgata
Allotropa virgata Torr. & A. Gray ex A. Gray
Sugarstick, Candystick, Candystriped Allotropa
Monotropaceae (Indian Pipe Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ALVI2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
A monotypic genus, Allotropa virgata is achlorophyllous and is mycoheterotrophic; that is, it utilizes the mycelium of the Matsutake Mushroom fungus (Tricholoma matsutake) to obtain carbon from the roots of conifers in the Pacific Northwest. Lustrous, erect, leafless, scaly stems resembling peppermint sticks with flowers hanging in a raceme along top.
From the Image Gallery
No images of this plant
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Inflorescences up to about 20 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , RedBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Petals white. Peduncle, which may be more than 1 foot tall, is white with red or maroon stripes.
Distribution
USA: CA , ID , MT , NV , OR , WACanada: BC
Native Distribution: British Columbia south to southern Sierra Nevada.
Native Habitat: In humus of coniferous forests.
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 3 - Flora of North America (2014) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Allotropa virgata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Allotropa virgata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Allotropa virgata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-11-09Research By: TWC Staff