The startling blood red color of the Snow Plant, Sarcodes sanguinea, tells us that it is among that unique group of plants that do not depend on chlorophyll and photosynthesis for food. More...

The startling blood red color of the Snow Plant, Sarcodes sanguinea, tells us that it is among that unique group of plants that do not depend on chlorophyll and photosynthesis for food.

Its favored habitat is the pine needle covered floor of the middle elevation forests of the West.

At one time it was believed that these plants were saprophytes, and obtained needed nutrients directly from decaying organic matter in soil. However, research has revealed a more complex parasitic relationship in which the plant obtains carbohydrate from a pine tree, by way of a shared mycorrhizal fungus.

In the Spring after the soil has been moistened by melting snow, and then warmed by the sun, these appealing plants push their way through the pine needles and flower.