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Wilson, John
Sarcodes sanguinea
Sarcodes sanguinea Torr.
Snowplant, Snow Plant
Monotropaceae (Indian Pipe Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: SASA5
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
A monotypic genus, Sarcodes is achlorophyllous and mycoheterotrophic; that is, it utilizes ectomycorrhizal fungi in the genus Rhizopogon to obtain carbon from the roots of Red Fir, Abies magnifica.
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.
Bloom Information
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , JulDistribution
USA: CA , NV , ORNative Distribution: Southern Oregon south to southern California.
Native Habitat: In humus of coniferous woods.
Additional resources
USDA: Find Sarcodes sanguinea in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Sarcodes sanguinea in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Sarcodes sanguinea
Metadata
Record Modified: 2016-03-04Research By: TWC Staff