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Native Plant Database

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.

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Sarcodes sanguinea (Snowplant)
Wilson, John

Sarcodes sanguinea Torr.

Snowplant, Snow Plant

Monotropaceae (Indian-Pipe Family)

USDA Symbol: SASA5

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

An unusual, stout, fleshy, entirely bright red plant with bracts overlapping on lower stem and curled among racemes of flowers above.

Once seen, this plant is never forgotten; the brilliant red is startling in the filtered sunlight against the dark background of the forest. Plants poke through the forest floor as snow recedes, drawing their nutrition from the rich humus.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:

Bloom Information

Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: CA , NV , OR
Native Distribution: Southern Oregon south to southern California.
Native Habitat: In humus of coniferous woods.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Sarcodes sanguinea in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Sarcodes sanguinea in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Sarcodes sanguinea

Metadata

Record Modified: 2010-06-16
Research By: TWC Staff

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