Woodland Pinedrops

Additional Flower Resources Indian Pipe Family Types of Flowers

Woodland Pinedrops (Pterospora andromedea) are unusual looking plants in the Indian Pipe family (Monotropaceae).

With the exception of the Southeast, they grow in coniforous forests, typically pine forests. Research suggests that the plant grows in association with the fungus associated with pine forests.

Depending on their growing location, they are commonly known as Albany beech-drops, giant bird's nest, giant pinedrops or pinedrops.

They are more common in the West than in the East and Upper Midwest, where they are considered either threatened or endangered. The New England Wild Flower Society prepared a lengthy report on their status.

The picture shows the small pink and white flowers growing along the sides of the plant's sticky purple stem.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels