Snow Plant (Sarcodes sanguinea): Parasitic, Blood-Red Wildflower of Coniferous Forests

Overview

Snow plant (Sarcodes sanguinea) is a striking, mycoheterotrophic (fungus-parasitic) perennial wildflower of the mountains of California, Oregon, and Nevada. It emerges in early spring (often through snow) as a fleshy, bright red stalk with overlapping, scale-like leaves and a dense raceme of bell-shaped, red flowers. No chlorophyll—obtains nutrients via mycorrhizal fungi from conifer roots.

Botanical Details

• Family: Ericaceae (heath family)
• Genus: Sarcodes
• Species: sanguinea

Ecology & Conservation

Found in coniferous forests at 4,000-8,000 ft. Blooms May-July. Do not disturb—extremely sensitive to root disruption. Cannot be cultivated; depends on specific fungal associations. A remarkable sight on spring hikes. Protected in some areas. Appreciate in situ only.