Species Spotlight: Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora)
This month, we cast the Species Spotlight on Ghost Pipes!
At first glance, this unique plant might appear to be a fungus. Looking more closely, however, the bright white flowers and stems come into view. While often misidentified, Monotropa uniflora is a flowering plant with distinct physical characteristics — its coloring (or lack thereof) is due to the absence of chlorophyll, the green substance that allows plants to photosynthesize.
Identification
The scientific name Monotropa uniflora hints at the physical traits of this plant. Monotropa is Latin for “one turn”, referring to the sharp curve at the top of the stem. Uniflora, meaning “one-flowered”, lets us know there will be one flower per stem.
Each individual plant grows from 4-8” tall and has small, scale-like leaves. The flowers, although typically white, can occasionally feature hints of pink and/or black specks.
A similar native plant in Washington, Pinesap (Monotropa hypopitys), is often confused for Ghost pipes, although Pinesap has more flowers per stem.
Since Ghost pipes do not contain chlorophyll, they are unable to convert energy from the sun into food. As a result, they are considered heterotrophic, meaning they are unable to produce their own sustenance. Instead, they absorb nutrients from surrounding tree roots through mycorrhizal fungi and decaying organic matter in the soil, all without harming the tree.
Habitat
Since Ghost pipes do not depend on sunlight for food, they are able to thrive in dense, deep forests. They grow throughout most of the United States at low-moderate elevations, given there is sufficient moisture, and are often found alongside a variety of interesting fungi.
In Washington, they bloom from June to September, spanning early summer to early fall.
Ghost pipes have also been recorded throughout Asia, notably in Nepal, Japan and Taiwan, as well as Mexico, Colombia, and parts of Central America.
Protection
While Monotropa uniflora is not currently at-risk in Washington, it is threatened in other states due to heavy logging, competition with invasive plants, and human development.
Our stewardship work at Nisqually Land Trust, particularly to plant native trees, remove invasive plants, and protect our forested lands from development, preserves their habitat and ensures they have the conditions necessary to flourish.
Photos by NLT Stewardship Manager Jake Pool