Indian Pipe

Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District

Indian Pipe (Ghost Plant)
Monotropa uniflora [C-value 10]
Indian Pipe family (Monotropaceae)
Blooms mid-August - September

The native Indian Pipe is rarely found in our area and is one of our Plants of Concern. This unusual perennial may be found in rich high quality woodlands in shady areas with abundant humus. It typically consists of a cluster of unbranched erect white stems about 3-7" tall. The alternate leaves are scale-like and small. Like the stems, they are white, translucent, and hairless. Each stem terminates in a single white flower about ½–¾" long that is nodding and narrowly bell-shaped. After the blooming period, the entire organism becomes dark brown or black, and each flower is replaced by an erect ovoid seed capsule about ½" long. It is a saprophyte without chlorophyll in its tissues and forms either a symbiotic or parasitic association with mycorrhizal fungi through its roots. Since Indian Pipe does not rely on photosynthesis, it can adapt to deep shade.

Indian Pipe at Kendall Co. Forest Preserve September 8, 2014

Indian Pipe at a Kendall Co. Forest Preserve September 8, 2014

Indian Pipe at a Kendall Co. Forest Preserve November 3, 2014 (with mature seed capsules)

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