Yellow Bird's-nest
Monotropa hypopitys
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 39 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Yellow bird's-nest is an unusual parasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll and appears as waxy, pale yellow stems emerging from the forest floor. This saprophytic perennial obtains nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi rather than photosynthesis, creating an otherworldly appearance in shaded woodland gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
Yellow Bird's-nest 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.
- Appears dead or diseased to untrained eye
- Extremely unusual appearance may concern neighbors
- Cannot be maintained like typical garden plants
Wildlife value
This plant has limited direct wildlife value as it produces no nectar and relies on specialized relationships with soil fungi rather than typical pollinator interactions.
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.
Does Yellow Bird's-nest fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.