PlantFiles: Snow Plant
Sarcodes sanguinea

Sarcodes sanguinea is a non-photosynthetic plant that does not require chlorophyll, which accounts for its bloody red color. It is a herbaceous and saprophylic perennial, occurring naturally in at mid-mountain range from Southern Califorinia to Oregon, and east to Nevada. The botanical name, Sarcodes sanguinea translates to 'Fleshy Blood'. The common name 'Snow Plant' refers to the fact that it emerges from the dead needle beds beneath pines when the snow melts offering moisture as the soil warms.

These plants live on decaying matter in the soil and are also believed to be parasitic to the roots of the pines. The fat, scaly stalks have long, fringed bracts from which red blooms appear from May to July. Though the asparagus-like stalks are edible, it is a protected species in California.