Yellow Bird's-nest
Monotropa hypopitys
Last reviewed: July 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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Yellow Bird's-nest need?
- Yellow Bird's-nest grows best in shade conditions.
- When does Yellow Bird's-nest bloom?
- Yellow Bird's-nest blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Yellow Bird's-nest native?
- Yellow Bird's-nest (Monotropa hypopitys) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 39 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Yellow Bird's-nest HOA-friendly?
- Yellow Bird's-nest 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 Yellow Bird's-nest? 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