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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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 20 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: RedBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: CA , NV , ORNative Distribution: Southern Oregon south to southern California.
Native Habitat: In humus of coniferous woods.
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) 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 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: 2023-04-18Research By: TWC Staff