Indian-pipe
Monotropa uniflora
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–10" H × 2"–4" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CA, CT and 38 more states
Indian-pipe is a unique white, waxy-looking plant that lacks chlorophyll and obtains nutrients through mycorrhizal fungi connected to tree roots. This ghostly wildflower emerges from the forest floor in summer with distinctive nodding white or pinkish flowers that turn black after blooming.
In an HOA neighborhood
Indian-pipe takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely unusual appearance may alarm neighbors
- Cannot be cultivated or maintained like typical garden plants
- Appears sporadically and unpredictably
Wildlife value
This plant has limited wildlife value as it primarily relies on small flies and fungus gnats for pollination rather than typical garden pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Indian-pipe need?
- Indian-pipe grows best in shade conditions.
- When does Indian-pipe bloom?
- Indian-pipe blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Indian-pipe native?
- Indian-pipe (Monotropa uniflora) is native to AL, AR, CA, CT and 38 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Indian-pipe HOA-friendly?
- Indian-pipe takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Indian-pipe? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz