Pine-drops
Pterospora andromedea
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 15 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Pine-drops is an unusual saprophytic wildflower that emerges from underground fungi networks, producing tall reddish-brown stalks covered with small bell-shaped flowers. This rare native plant grows in coniferous forests and cannot be cultivated like typical garden plants since it depends on specific soil fungi. The ghostly appearance and unpredictable emergence make it more of a forest curiosity than a landscaping plant.
In an HOA neighborhood
Pine-drops takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Cannot be reliably cultivated or maintained
- Extremely rare and unpredictable appearance
- Looks like dead stalks rather than ornamental plants
Wildlife value
Limited wildlife value due to its rarity and specialized habitat requirements. May attract some small insects when blooming, but its primary ecological role is in forest fungal networks.
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 Pine-drops fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.