NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Monotropa uniflora

Indian Pipes, One-flowered Indian-pipes

Scientific Name:	Monotropa uniflora
Genus:	Monotropa
Species Epithet:	uniflora
Common Name:	Indian Pipes, One-flowered Indian-pipes
Plant Type	Herb/Wildflower
Life Cycle	Perennial
Plant Family	Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Native/Alien:	NC Native
Size:	0-1 ft.
Bloom Color(s):	White, Pink
Light:	Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day, Less than 2 hours of sun per day
Soil Moisture:	Moist
Bloom Time:	June, July, August, September, October
Growing Area:	Mountains, Piedmont, Sandhills, Coastal Plain
Habitat Description:	“A wide variety of forests.” (Weakley 2015). Common throughout NC.
Leaf Retention:	Deciduous
Leaf Type:	Leaves needle-like or scale-like
Leaf Form:	No Apparent Leaves
Life Cycle:	Perennial
Wildlife Value:	No known wildlife value
Landscape Value:	Not Recommended for home landscapes
State Rank:	S4: Apparently secure ^(*Key)
Global Rank:	G5 - Secure ^(*Key)
Notes:	"These plants were once believed to absorb all nutrients from decayed organic material, but it is now known that they are associated with a fungus, which obtains nutrients directly from the roots of green plants. Indian Pipe, therefore, is more of a parasite, with the fungus as a bridge between it and its host. The plant turns black as the fruit ripens or when it is picked and dried." Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
Coming Up! Black Mountain, June 2004 © MB Baumeister
Blooming Black Mountain, June 2004 © MB Baumeister
Closeup of Blooms They are beginning to turn black. Black Mountain, June 2004 © MB Baumeister
Blooms Sporting their colors ©Vicki Corporon Raleigh, NC
Senescing plants turn black in color Person County, NC Bettina Darveaux
Has a single flower which nods down from the top of the stem. Rutherford County, NC Robert Bachand
Links:	USDA PLANTS Database Record