Pinesap
Monotropa hypopithys

Family: Heather (Ericaceae)
AKA: Dutchman's Pipe, False Beech Drops
Photo taken on: July 28, 2008
Location: Wet Mountains, Eastern CO
Life Zones: Foothills to subalpine
Habitat: Conifer woods

Grows to 12". It does not contain chlorophyll and is parasitic upon fungi and organic matter on dark forest floors.

It can be pale yellow to red in color with thick, fleshy stalks and scale-like leaves. Flowers are drooping when young.

When mature the plants become erect and produce fruit in capsules.

Photo taken on: August 14, 2010
Location: Wet Mountains, Eastern CO