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Indian-pipe

Monotropa uniflora

Last reviewed: August 2026

Indian-pipe (Monotropa uniflora)
Photo: Gageills / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Toxicity unknown

Indian-pipe (Monotropa uniflora) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested MountainsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsSouthern Coastal PlainAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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