forest ghost flower meaning

U.S. Forest Service

United States Department of Agriculture

Monotropa uniflora – Ghost Plant, Indian Pipe

Indian pipe is a perennial wildflower with a wide geographic distribution throughout the United States, from Maine to California and from Florida to Alaska. It is absent from the southwest, intermountain west and the central Rocky mountains. However, Indian Pipe is not a commonly encountered wildflower.

Monotropa uniflora ( Monotropa – once turned; uniflora – one flowered) ranges in height from 10 to 30 centimeters. The entire plant is a translucent, “ghostly” white, sometimes pale pinkish-white and commonly has black flecks. The leaves are scale-like and flecked with black on the flower stalk (peduncle). As the Latin epithet uniflora implies, the stem bears a single flower. Upon emerging from the ground, the flower is pendant (downwardly pointed). As the anthers and stigma mature, the flower is spreading to all most perpendicular to the stem. The fruit is a capsule. As the capsule matures, the flower becomes erect (in line with the stem). Once ripened, seed is released through slits that open from the tip to the base of the capsule. The plant is persistent after seed dispersal.

America’s eminent poet, Emily Dickinson, called the Indian pipe “the preferred flower of life.” In a letter to Mabel Todd, she confides, “I still cherish the clutch with which I bore it from the ground when a wondering child, and unearthly booty, and maturity only enhances the mystery, never decreases it.”

Monotropa uniflora flowers from early summer to early autumn. It is found in mature, moist, shaded forests.

Oct 26, 2020

Into the Haunted Forest: Ghost Pipe

Written by Clary Greacen Montagne

Cluster of Monotropa uniflora. Photo by Courtney Celley, USFWS.

Wandering through a dark and shady forest, perhaps foraging for mushrooms, you might happen upon a small cluster of ghostly pale flowers growing through the leaf litter. This curious and elusive plant is the Monotropa uniflora, also known as Ghost Pipe, Indian Pipe, or Corpse Plant. Formerly considered to be part of the Heath family (Ericaceae), recent evidence suggests they are worthy of their own classification, Monotropaceae. The single, bell-shaped flowers of Ghost Pipe grow on curved stems, Monotropa meaning “one turn.” Each stem and flower resemble a small upside down pipe, hence the name “Ghost Pipe.” These plants can be found throughout most of the U.S., growing in the rich humus of mature forests at low to moderate elevations, and can also be found in some parts of Asia. While widespread in range, they are not commonly found. Ghost Pipe requires a very specific growing process and because of this, is practically impossible to cultivate or propagate.

This mycotrophic wildflower grows at the base of trees where roots meet the mycelium network, getting all their nutrition through a symbiotic relationship with fungi. Ghost Pipe owes its waxy white appearance to a lack of chlorophyll, the green pigment that allows most plants to photosynthesize. Instead of photosynthesis, Ghost Pipe gets its necessary nutrients through a mycorrhizal association with a fungus. In this unique relationship, a fungus invades the roots of the plant, allowing the plant to get its energy from the photosynthesis of the fungus’ host tree. With no light dependency, Ghost Pipe is able to thrive in the dark, spooky environment of the forest floor.

Photo by Helen Lowe Metzman.

Spending most of their life underground, these plants flower in the small window between June and September, when they poke up through the leaf litter alone or in small stands. Ghost Pipe grows between four and eight inches tall, and is pale white in color with small black or pink specks, and can also have brightly colored pink stems. The plants have small, scale-like leaves and five parted white flowers, with a single flower per stem. Ghost Pipe is pollinated by bees, who hang on to its flower upside down. Upon first flowering and emerging from the ground, the flower hangs downward, but as the fruit capsule matures, the flower points upwards in line with the stem. Once the fruit has ripened, seeds are released through small slits and dispersed by wind. The Ghost Pipe will flower for about a week, before shriveling and turning black, hence its alternate name, “Corpse Plant.”

Ghost Pipe has been used by indigenous peoples of North America as a medicinal plant, primarily for its pain-relieving properties. A Cherokee legend about Ghost Pipe tells of a time long ago, when selfishness first entered the world, and people began quarreling. First, they quarreled with their own families and tribal members, and then with other tribes. The chiefs of several tribes met together to try to solve the disputes, and smoked a peace pipe together, while continuing to quarrel with each other for seven days and seven nights. In punishment for smoking the peace pipe before actually making peace, the Great Spirit turned the chiefs into grey flowers and made them grow where relatives and friends had quarreled.

Ghost Pipe is used today in Western Herbal Medicine as a nervine, or plant beneficial to the nervous system, and may provide benefits for epilepsy, psychological conditions, and physical pain. Unfortunately, the popularity of this plant in Western Herbal Medicine has caused it to be overharvested. Ghost Pipe is extremely delicate, so much so that when handled, it wilts very quickly and turns black. It’s best to admire this ghostly plant without attempting to handle or harvest it.

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Ghost Pipe Flower

Author: Emily-Jane Hills Orford // Last updated on October 5, 2023 Leave a Comment

“Ready for a ghostly encounter with a flower? Let’s see if we can find one.”

“Find one?” I asked (always intrigued with her ideas).

“A ghost flower.” She half whispered, eerily.

“A ghost flower.” She said it louder this time. “It’s a parasitic plant that doesn’t need chlorophyll since it feeds off nutrients from the soil.”

“That’s why it’s white and ghostly,” she continued. “Like something out of a Halloween movie. It grows well in mature forests, usually during a rainfall that follows a long dry period. But it only grows for about two days! Some say it’s good luck to find one because they come and go so quickly.”

“Well, we’ve just ended a long dry spell with a good soaking of rain,” I agreed. “So we should be in luck.”

“But we can’t pick them,” she added. We have to leave them so they spread their seeds and produce more flowers.”

“I’ll take my camera instead.”

Description

Also known as Indian pipe or corpse plant, this rare perennial plant is a member of the monotropaceae family, the genus Monotropa being Greek for “one turn” which describes the sharp curving at the top of the stem. Its botanical classification, uniflora, refers to the fact that it’s “one-flowered.” Every plant has one flower for a stem — all ivory white (in fact, the entire plant is white).

Occasionally one can find an individual ghost pipe with pink coloration and black specks. The plant flowers between June and September, and when it does, the blossom only lasts a couple of days. Ghost pipes grow between 4 and 8 inches with smallish leaves that appear somewhat scaled.

The plants are usually found in clusters at the base of trees where they sap nutrients from the tree roots. Sometimes a plant can be found growing alone with no other ghost pipes nearby. Their consistency is like frozen jelly.

Spiritual Meaning

Different groups of people associate diverse meanings for this unusual plant. Native Americans believe that ghost pipes carry souls of their departed ancestors, many associate the plant as a connection to the spiritual world. The ghost pipe had a role in important life ceremonies, all related to an individual’s soul.

The Cherokee believed that ghost pipes originate from the selfish nature of humans. Two quarrelling tribes came together to discuss the problem behind these disagreements. They smoked a peace pipe together, while continuing to quarrel for seven days. As a punishment for smoking the peace pipe before actually making peace amongst themselves, the Great Spirit turned the quarrelling chiefs into grey flowers and made them grow where others quarreled. There, the ghost pipes grew as a reminder. This parallels other beliefs in the plant being a symbol of peace.

Natural Habitat

Ghost pipes thrive in the humus of deep, damp, shady woods at low to moderate elevations. They can be found throughout the United States and particularly around the Great Lakes of both Canada and the States. It has also been found in parts of Asia, Russian, and northern South America. Typically, it appears in the same location every year, unless it’s dug up by trespassers or developers.

Growing Conditions

The plant grows like a parasite. It’s white because it lacks chlorophyll, and since it can’t photosynthesize, it depends on certain types of fungi that grow at the base of trees. Ghost pipes absorbs nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi in the soil at the base of trees. The mycorrhizal fungi share a symbiotic relationship with the trees. In other words, they benefit from each other.

Trees absorb sunlight which the plant uses to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugars, while the mycorrhizal fungi harvest minerals in the soil. Whilst the mycorrhizal fungi and the tree share its nutrients, the ghost pipe plant exploits it, meaning it acts like a parasite, absorbing nutrients from the tree and the decay of soil matter (the fungi).

As mentioned, ghost pipes grow well in mature forests and usually appear when a lengthy dry spell ends with rain. As the moisture hits, the plants suddenly appear. It’s a plant that thrives on moisture and little sunlight, growing best in wet forests and in full shade. The growing cycle of the ghost pipe is relatively slow.

Sometimes it takes months or even years before the plant has gathered enough nutrients. During this time of absorbing nutrients, it’s growing underground. Then, quite suddenly, it appears above ground with its eerie white stalks and flowers. Insects, particularly bumble bees, are attracted to the seed pod at the top of the stem. The seed pod produces and releases tens of thousands of extremely tiny seeds.

Blown away by the wind, the seeds start the cycle all over again, with no effort exerted by the plant itself. The dispersal of the seeds not only encourages more plants, it also helps the dispersing plant grow again the following year.

This plant is considered rare, though it’s not on any endangered species list. Although it can appear in the woods during most of the summer months, its actual appearance is short. It spends much of its growing life completely underground.

Pests and Diseases

The biggest and most troublesome pest for this and any other rare plant is human intervention. Careless hikers and hunters trample the plants as they march through the woods. Curious gardeners dig up the ghost pipes to transplant in their own gardens, often not successfully, as the plant needs a specific growing condition which most home gardens don’t have.

Due to its jelly-like consistency, it literally dissolves into mush when handled. Once destroyed or removed from their original location, the ghost pipe won’t regrow. It has a specific growing process which works best if it’s left alone. If you see them, take pictures, tread carefully, and leave them alone. Then you’ll know where to find them again next year.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

There are many uses for the ghost pipe. It’s considered an excellent source of calcium, which strengthens the bones, and high in magnesium which is good for the nerves and muscles. However, it’s mostly the root of the plant that’s used. Roots should be gathered in September and October, and dried, pulverized, and stored in sealed bottles.

The ghost pipe plant is considered useful in helping people suffering from pscyhoemotional shocks and traumas. The root is used as a tonic, a sedative, and an antispasmodic. It helps calm restless nerves, nervous irritability, anxiety, and PTSD, often substituted for such treatments like opium.

It has been used as a cure for fevers and to treat epilepsy, chorea, and similar spasmodic afflictions. Due to these uses, the ghost plant root has been dubbed the “fit” or “convulsion” root. Combined with rose water, it has been used to treat ulcers and other inflammations.

Like anything good, ghost pipes must be used in moderation. Too much is never a good thing. The plant is edible but only in small quantities. The taste is bland when eaten raw and it tastes like asparagus when cooked. It’s the glycosides that make this plant dangerous if consumed in large amounts. In other words, beware because ghost pipes can be toxic!

It may be beneficial. It might look good in your garden, if it survives the transplant. But this ghostly apparition of a growing phenomenon is best left where it’s found. Why? Well (if for no other reason) to absorb its magical attributes. Just finding this plant is a sign of good luck, and we all need a bit of that.

Ghost pipes, lucky or not, have been an inspiration for creative ventures. American poet, Emily Dickinson was particularly fond of the ghost pipe. The cover of her first book of poems (published in 1890) showed an image of the ghost pipe. And she wrote a poem about it, referring to the ghost pipe using its alternate name, Indian pipe . Her poem “Tis whiter than an Indian Pipe” was published in 1879:

‘Tis whiter than an Indian Pipe — ‘Tis dimmer than a Lace — No stature has it, like a Fog When you approach the place — Not any voice imply it here — Or intimate it there — A spirit — how doth it accost — What function hath the Air? This limitless Hyperbole Each one of us shall be— ‘Tis Drama — if Hypothesis It be not Tragedy —

About Emily-Jane Hills Orford

Emily-Jane Hills Orford is an award-winning author of several books, including Gerlinda (CFA 2016) which received an Honorable Mention in the 2016 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, To Be a Duke (CFA 2014) which was named Finalist and Silver Medalist in the 2015 Next Generation Indie Book Awards and received an Honorable Mention in the 2015 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards. She writes about the extra-ordinary in life and her books, short stories, and articles are receiving considerable attention. For more information on the author, check out her website at: https://emilyjanebooks.ca

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All About Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora)

In this article, you’ll learn what the data says about ghost pipe ( Monotropa uniflora ). Is it endangered? Edible? Poisonous? Find out the answers to all of your questions below!

Around June 8 every year, we start finding Ghost Pipe (also called Indian Pipe), mainly around our creek area. This year so far, we’ve had a nice amount of rain and have counted many dozens of clusters of this unique flower rising from the leaves. During dry years, we’ll see less. While the bulk of the flowers bloom in June, we still find sporadic random clumps all the way through September. (Here in zone 7a USA.)

We’ve also seen a lot of confusion, misinformation, and even a few arguments about ghost pipe while navigating foraging groups, so we decided to organize all of the available data and see if we can clear up some of the confusion out there.

Without further ado, let’s jump into the questions and known facts!

ghost pipe and reishi mushrooms growing together

Is Ghost Pipe a Mushroom? Or a Flower?

Even though it looks kind of like a mushroom, ghost pipe is a woodland flower.

However, mushrooms and ghost pipe have a connection – because ghost pipe depends on a mushroom network to survive!

Ghost pipe is pale white and doesn’t contain chlorophyll, that green substance that most plants use to turn sunshine into food.

So how does it get its food?

It taps into a mutual relationship that the roots of trees like oak and beech have with certain kinds of fungi (in the Russulaceae family.) The trees and fungi help each other out and they live together in harmony.

Ghost pipe attaches itself to the fungi and gets indirect nutrition from the tree that way. From what we can tell, the interloper doesn’t seem to cause problems for the tree or fungi. Pretty clever!

Can You Grow Ghost Pipe at Home?

Some say it’s super difficult, if not impossible, to cultivate ghost pipe at home. (If you’ve done it though, let us know – a lot of people would be interested, including us!)

You need to have the right tree with the right fungal network in place or the seed won’t germinate, so it’s not just a matter of just sticking some seeds in the ground and waiting for them to grow.

If you see seeds for sale, it’s normally a scam. There is a study where scientists used some complicated finagling to germinate monotropa uniflora and one of them developed a nest-like root cluster after one year in a lab, but that’s pretty far out of the reach of us everyday gardeners!

a large cluster of monotropa uniflora flowers

Is Ghost Pipe on the United Plant Savers Species at Risk List?

No, but sort of.

If you look at the full list of at-risk plants at the United Plant Savers website , you won’t spot ghost pipe, Indian pipe, or monotropa uniflora .

However, in their printable chart version , “Indian Pipe, Monotropa uniflora ” is listed as “Requested to Score” along with chaga, wild cherry, solomon’s seal, yaupon, and wild geranium. So perhaps we’ll see it on there one day.

Is Ghost Pipe Endangered?

Yes, no, and maybe. It depends on where you live and whether your state has done the work to study the plant’s status.

over a dozen ghost pipe flowers peeking out from the leaves

States Where It’s At Risk

Here are the states in the US that have Ghost Pipe ( Monotropa uniflora ) listed as being in trouble:

Alaska – listed as S1 (S1 = critical imperilment within the state)
California – listed as 2B.2 (“2B” = Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California but common elsewhere. “.2” = Moderately threatened in California — 20-80% of occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat.)
Florida – listed as S3 (S3 = vulnerable) ( Monotropa hypopithys listed as S1, but do not see M. uniflora listed on FL Natural Areas Inventory list . )
Nebraska – listed as S1 (critical imperilment within the state)
North Dakota – listed as S3 (vulnerable)
Oklahoma – listed as S1 (critical imperilment within the state) ( listed as S2 – imperiled – on the OK Natural Heritage site)
South Dakota – listed as S1 (critical imperilment within the state)

RarePlants.org has a helpful glossary for when you’re trying to figure out the conservation status of a plant.

States Where It’s Considered Secure:

Then there are a few states that list monotropa uniflora as secure (S5) :

West Virginia

And it’s “apparently secure” (S4) in Montana and Iowa .

As you can see by THIS map at the Nature Serve Explorer many states have unknown statuses. That doesn’t mean that ghost pipe is secure, or that it is at risk in those states, it just means that there’s not enough data for us to know.

( Side note : Monotropa uniflora is also found outside of North America in places such as Nepal, Japan, Taiwan, and parts of Eastern Asia, and Colombia, Mexico, and parts of Central America.)

Video: Ghost Pipe Slideshow

Here’s a slideshow highlighting ghost pipe. ( Sometimes an ad plays first, but the video will start right after. The video player won’t show up if you have an adblocker. )

From what we do know about the plant:

It has highly specialized growing conditions.
You cannot grow it from seed at home or commercially.
The deep rich forests that it depends on for survival are in decline due to strip logging, invasive plant infestations, and human development.
There’s a risk it could become a trendy herb which could devastate existing populations.

Many people feel that ghost pipe is at the very least a plant that’s in a vulnerable position in many places.

cluster of indian pipe flowers in the sun

Can You Eat Ghost Pipe?

Ghost pipe isn’t considered to be a good edible. There are reports of a few people eating some, but there are almost as many reports of people feeling ill or strange after doing so. (We aren’t brave enough to try it, so can’t report on the taste!) There are no found reported deaths or hospitalizations from eating ghost pipe, but it’s not recommended.

Besides the risk-to-your-health factor, the plant is way too special for trailside munching, especially when there are other better choices out there. However, ghost pipe can be made into a tincture and is used in small doses for very specific cases in herbal medicine. (More on that below.)

Is Ghost Pipe Poisonous?

This topic comes up in foraging groups A LOT! Let’s break down what the terms mean and what the sources say about ghost pipe containing poisons.

Glycosides, Grayanotoxin, and Andromedotoxin

Peterson’s Field Guide to Medicinal Plants & Herbs lists some Native American uses for “Indian-Pipe” ( Monotropa uniflora ) then adds: “Safety undetermined; possibly toxic – contains several glycosides”.

What are Glycosides?

Oxford’s English Dictionary describes them as: “a compound formed from a simple sugar and another compound by replacement of a hydroxyl group in the sugar molecule. Many drugs and poisons derived from plants are glycosides.” (Examples of glycosides include steviol glycoside – a harmless natural sweetener made from stevia plant, or the cardiac glycosides in foxglove flowers which can be deadly in some cases.)

What about Grayanotoxins and Andromedotoxins?

Grayanotoxins are neurotoxins found in plants like rhododendron and mountain laurel. Over 25 forms of grayanotoxins have been found in rhododendrons, some more toxic than others, making some plants more toxic than others. Grayanotoxin I is a glycoside toxin; also called andromedotoxin or rhodotoxin.

The information about ghost pipe containing grayanotoxin is based on a single source from 1889. (Yes 1889 , not 1989!)

King’s American Dispensatory (written in 1898) says: “A. J. M. Lasché (Pharm. Rundschau, 1889, p. 208) has found in this plant a crystallizable poisonous principle, which also occurs in several other ericaceous plants; it is named andromedotoxin (C31H51O10).”

Digging further, we found Lasché’s full text in Pharmazeutische Rundschau. Volume 7, 1889. (You can read it too on Archive.org .) His experiments showed that Monotropa uniflora contains andromedotoxin. To date, no modern study can be found as a follow-up, so that single source is all the data we have to go on.

a bumble bee visiting ghost pipe flowers

Should You Forage or Pick Ghost Pipe?

Most of the time, the answer is no – you don’t really need to pick ghost pipe flowers !

If you live in a state where ghost pipe is listed as endangered, threatened, or at risk (see above) – this is an easy decision. Take a photo, touch nothing (unless you’re clearing an invasive such as garlic mustard that’s about to choke out the plants in the area), and carefully move on.

If you’re someone who truly needs this strong medicine and lives in an area where it’s considered secure, keep reading.

Before you gather Ghost Pipe, ask yourself these questions:

Why do you want to gather ghost pipe.

Stop and think why you want to collect it. Do you truly feel that the plant will benefit you? Are you really going to use it, if you make a tincture, or will it just sit on a shelf? Are you scared of any potential toxicity?

Ghost pipe is strong and used in rather extreme circumstances – unrelenting pain or anxiety attacks that can’t be managed by other herbs.

Don’t pick ghost pipe unless you have an actual plan or need for its use !

What does the plant population look like?

Are there only a few plant clusters in the area? Less than 9 or 10? If so, take a photo, move on, and don’t disturb.

If there are multiple separate and large plant clusters (this doesn’t mean ten flowers growing right next to each other; whole groups of flowers should be separated by several feet), check them closely without touching. Sometimes you’ll find that a stem or flower has been freshly knocked over by a passing creature, or perhaps you yourself accidentally trampled one before noticing.

Any freshly broken or trampled pieces can be collected as long as they haven’t turned black.

If the plant clusters are large enough, and you’re in a place where the population is secure, they may be able to support you taking a stem or two from the center of a couple of the largest clusters. (Three or four flowers/stems makes plenty of tincture.)

No one needs to collect a whole jar or even 1/4 of a jar of ghost pipe flowers. Just 3 or 4 flowers with stems will make a powerful tincture.

Collect the fresher flowers that are looking downward. Once the flowers turn up to face the sky, it’s considered too late to collect for tincture. At that point the flower has been pollinated (most often by bumblebees) and has made a seed pod containing thousands of tiny dust like seeds that will be sent out into the wind, hoping for the perfect spot to land and grow.

* DON’T PULL UP THE ROOTS!

Ghost pipe is a perennial. If you pull up the roots, it won’t come back next year!

Ghost Pipe Lookalike

Before harvesting, make sure you’re not picking ghost pipe’s look alike: Pinesap ( Monotropa hypopitys ).

Pinesap starts off creamy white color, and can develop shades of red. Below is a photo of pinesap – you can tell the two plants apart because ghost pipe has one flower at the top of each stem, while pinesap has several flowers clustered together at the top of each stem.

pinesap Monotropa hypopitys is a lookalike for ghost pipe

What is Ghost Pipe Tincture Used For?

The tincture is used in small doses for those experiencing high levels of pain or anxiety attacks.

Examples of people who use Ghost Pipe are those who are battling cancer, or have unrelenting high levels of pain in spite of trying other herbs/medications/therapies, or someone who can’t function in life because of continual severe anxiety attacks.

If you have a standard sore back and muscles from working in the garden or exercising too hard – try a mullein root tincture and a pain salve instead.

You don’t need ghost pipe tincture for everyday common pains. It’s not for pregnant or nursing women, or children.

How Do You Make Ghost Pipe Tincture?

If you truly feel you have a need for the tincture and will put it to good use: Place three or four lightly rinsed ghost pipe flowers/stems (you do not need roots) in a half-pint jar. Cover with 2 to 3 ounces of 100 proof vodka – make sure all the flower parts are covered, adding more if needed. Use a pair of scissors to chop up the flowers/stems while they’re under the vodka. Put a lid on the jar, label, and tuck it away for about 4 weeks. The tincture will turn a beautiful shade of purple. Strain.

Shelf life of this tincture is 2 to 3+ years. It’s normal to lose the purple color over time and is still fine to use at that point. (Each 1 ounce = about 600 drops.)

How Do You Use Ghost Pipe Tincture?

Starting dose is usually 3 drops. Those with light body frames may find that one drop is plenty. Put 1 to 3 drops in a cup then add a little water. Drink.

Don’t use before driving, operating machinery, or going outside your house because it can cause sleepiness. It kicks in for us about 20 minutes after taking. We find it calming and relaxing, but it is a slightly strange feeling, like you’re “zooming” away from your pain.

Use at your own risk of not knowing how you’ll personally react, as the tincture is very powerful medicine and has not been well studied by modern researchers. (One of our small-framed adult family members developed nausea and an earache and headache after taking 1 drop of ghost pipe – so it doesn’t work well for everyone!)

Ghost Pipe plants look upwards after pollination

References & Further Reading

Botanical Gazette . April 1878. Volume 3, Number 4; pp. 37 – 38. A.H. Young reports on a reaction a young woman had when some of the plant juice of monotropa uniflora got on her lips.

Botanical Gazette . June 1878. Volume 3, Number 6; pp. 53 – 54. Richard E. Kunze writes a reply detailing his medicinal uses of monotropa uniflora over 23 years, with no adverse affects and wonders if the young woman from A.H. Young’s report had a reaction to Rhus toxicodendron (poison oak) instead.

Botanical Gazette . September 1878. Volume 3, Number 9; pp. 79 – 79. A.H. Young asserts he still believes the young woman’s reaction was from monotropa uniflora .

California Department of Fish & Wildlife. SPECIAL VASCULAR PLANTS, BRYOPHYTES, AND LICHENS LIST . April, 2022.

California Native Plant Society Rare Plant Inventory. Monotropa uniflora. https://rareplants.cnps.org/Plants/Details/646

Donahue, Sean. Ghost Pipe: A Little Known Nervine . American Herbalist Guild.

Felter, Harvey Wickes and John Uri Lloyd. King’s American Dispensatory , 1898.

Figura, Tomáš, et al. In vitro axenic germination and cultivation of mixotrophic Pyroloideae (Ericaceae) and their post-germination ontogenetic development . Annals of Botany . 2019 Mar; 123(4): 625–639.

Gupton, Oscar Wilmont. An Analysis of the Taxonomic Criteria as Applies to the Genus Monotropa . The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 1963. 6401852.

ITIS. Integrated Taxonomic Information System – Report on Monotropa uniflora .

Jansen, Suze A. et al. Grayanotoxin Poisoning: ‘Mad Honey Disease’ and Beyond . Cardiovascular Toxicology . 2012; 12(3): 208–215.

Klooster, Matthew R. and Theresa M. Culley. Comparative analysis of the reproductive ecology of Monotropa and Monotropsis : Two mycoheterotrophic genera in the Monotropoideae (Ericaceae) . American Journal of Botany . First published: 01 July 2009

Leopold, Susan. A History of Parasitic Plants from Ancient Herbals to Modern Scientific Research . United Plant Savers; audio file; accessed June, 2022.

Millspaugh, Charles Frederick. American Medicinal Plants: An Illustrated and Descriptive Guide to Plants Indigenous to and Naturalized in the United States which are Used in Medicine . See pp. 411 – 414.

Native American Ethnobotany Database . Online. Accessed June, 2022.

O’Neil, Alexander R. The Population Genetic Structure of the Mycoheterotroph Monotropa uniflora L. in North America .

Tsukaya, Hirokazu. Flowering time of two saprophytic plants, Monotropa uniflora L. and Monotropastrum humile (D. Don) Hara in Japan . Journal of Plant Research .

USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station; Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for the Chugach National Forest and the Kenai Peninsula . See Table 6-4—List of rare plant taxa tracked by the Alaska National Heritage Program occurring in the assessment area.

Winston, David. David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies . Facebook post about Monotropa uniflora or Indian Pipe.

Our articles are for information and idea-sharing only. While we aim for 100% accuracy, it is solely up to the reader to provide proper identification. Be sure to seek out local foraging classes and plant walks, and invest in mushroom and foraging guides suitable for the area you live in, since some wild foods are poisonous, or may have adverse effect.

Jan Berry is a writer, herbalist, natural soap educator, and bestselling author of The Big Book of Homemade Products, and Simple & Natural Soapmaking. She grows, forages, and rambles around 100 mostly wooded acres at the foot of the Appalachian mountains. Besides writing articles for her family website, Unruly Gardening, she's also the founder of TheNerdyFarmWife.com where you can find her sharing DIY natural skincare and soapmaking recipes, and herbal remedies.

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34 Comments

I discovered ghost pipe on our property in central Wisconcin by chance. There are several hundred plants that seem to be doing quite well. It’s good to know they are there if needed.

That’s awesome Tom! I feel reassured seeing it growing in spots around us as well – it’s good to know they’re there!

I have question does ghost pipe show up as anything on a drug test.

Hi Annette! That’s a great question! I’m not 100% sure of the answer. I know it’s sometimes used to help people come off of a drug trip, and haven’t heard of it causing a red flag result for anyone, so my first instinct is to say it shouldn’t. But, I haven’t seen any case studies to confirm my guess, and no one has studied all of the compounds within, so just can’t say for certain. I wish I could help more!

First time foragers here. My fiance knows someone who may need ghost pipe for pain. We found some on our property and he harvested so many tops probably 20 and just covered them in alcohol undiluted. So we have about 1/4 mason jar of buds and alcohol that have been sitting for about 4 weeks already. How would we go about diluting this for use so it isnt so strong? Can we just add more alcohol and would we need to let it sit longer after?

Hi Jolene! Yes, you could add more alcohol to dilute the tincture. I would go ahead and strain the tincture first if it looks really strong by now. Then you can dilute the strained tincture with regular vodka (80 proof) or any type of alcohol & use it right away. You might not need to dilute it though. How dark is the color? If it’s a really dark purple, it’s likely still fine to use. If it looks almost black however, that could be a bit too strong. If you want to send me a photo – hello @ unrulygardening .com then I’m happy to take a look at it! One idea: when you strain the tincture – count how many flowers are in there if possible. Then measure the amount of vodka/alcohol used. Record the data for next time – that will give you an idea of the ratio you used for this batch and if you find it is too strong, you’ll have an idea next time of how to adjust when making.

I have taken a lot of ghost pipe and a lot of drug tests. It has never come up.

Hi Rick, Thanks for chiming in – it’s much appreciated!

Wondering if ghost pipe tincture could be added to a salve for topical use?

Hi Jennifer! While there is some historical data as far as topical use for things like sores & warts: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=monotropa (from the Native American Ethnobotany Database) I don’t believe an oil-based salve would be the best form for ghost pipe. Alcohol tinctures tend to bead out/separate from the oils without an emulsifier, so something like a liniment might be a better form. From my research however, it doesn’t appear to help pain when applied topically. (Though there’s a lot that hasn’t been studied about the plant, so future information may tell us otherwise!)

Where can someone purchase ghost pipe tincture?

Hi Mary! I would suggest checking out Running Waters Homestead – they place a high priority on sustainable harvesting & I’ve had good experience ordering from them in the past: https://runningwatershomestead.com/shop/

Hello! Thank you for writing this! I followed your instructions here to make ghost pipe tincture, but after 4 weeks, the tincture is clear and not purple. I’m now nervous to try it. Do you have any ideas of what could’ve happened?

I used three white ghost pipe stems and flowers, cut up into a few pieces under 4oz of 100 proof vodka, and let sit in a dark cabinet in a sealed glass container for 4 weeks.

Hi Sam! Sorry to hear that happened! It should have at least a little hint of purple to it – did you see any tinge of purple show up at any point in the infusion? Do you happen to have a photo of the plants you collected? There is a lookalike called pinesap (Monotropa hypopitys) – it starts off kind of creamy white, then can get shades of red on it. I just updated this article to show a photo of pinesap so you can compare. https://unrulygardening.com/ghost-pipe-faqs/#ghost-pipe-lookalike You can also email a photo, if you have one, to hello @ unrulygardening .com and I’m happy to take a look and double check your plant! It sounds like you did everything right, which is what makes me wonder about pinesap being used instead. If you 100% did use ghost pipe though, then my other thought would be more flowers to alcohol ratio. I start on the low range of the alcohol; you can always add more in later to dilute if it’s too strong. It could also be some regional differences between size of the ghost pipe plants and what stages they are collected.

Can you use Ouzo or Everclear instead of vodka?

Hi Penelope! Yes, you can use Everclear instead. I’m unfamiliar with using Ouzo though, so not positive on that one. 🙂

Do the flowers and stems need to be fully white or is black ok? I picked some and parts of them turned black(mostly stems) before i was able to get them into some vodka. I did put them into vodka and my tincture is a dark purple. Against light you can see through it. Otherwise you cannot. I have had it in the jar for about a week. Maybe i should add more vodka to make it lighter? Or should I discard it because I cut the black stems into it?

Hi Samantha! If they were white when you picked them & you got them into the vodka within a few hours, then they should still be fine to use. They do turn black fairly quickly, so unless you bring your bottle of vodka out in the forest with you (which isn’t really practical when you’re hiking!) 🙂 it can be hard for them not to start darkening at least some before they get tinctured. It sounds like your tincture is the right color and strength! So unless the flowers sat in a hot car for half a day or something like that, I would personally be likely to use the tincture. However, if you still have a worried feel and you’re not 100% comfortable using it, then I always follow those intuitions.

I just need a bit of opinion/advice. I attempted to make ghost pipe and pinesap tinctures both are an amber color….any guesses as to why and is it safe to use? Please help?!?!? I have been waiting all year to make this I am kind of disappointed

thanks a million for your help 🍄

Hi S, I’m so sorry to hear that! Can you tell me more about what kind of alcohol you used? How much ghost pipe to alcohol ratio? I’ve not made pinesap tincture (or found references to date, as far as using it medicinally), so am unfamiliar with what color that would turn in a tincture, but ghost pipe should definitely have a purple hue.

Howdy, i understand this might not exactly be your wheelhouse but you folks seem very knowledgeable so thought I’d give it a whirl. My local herbalist recommended Ghost Pipe for a lifelong struggle with anxiety specifically connecting to sleep issues, and not a whole lot of success with other herbs and supplements. First night I tried 5 drops and had success. 2nd night since I was weening myself off other things did 7 drops. It seems if I don’t fall asleep quickly then it won’t happen at all and some time had passed. Started to panic. Since I had read on Sean Donahue’s piece he had used up to three 1ml tinctures (I believe 1 ml is dropperful), took 1 dropperful. waited a little while, still up,then took 2 more dropperfuls. Definitely felt like that was too much. Had a period I still wasn’t sleeping but must have finally slept as I awoke at some point and realized I had had a strange dream. Can you give any advice or share experiences about usage and dosage. I’m heartened I had some success but know 3 dropperfuls is definitely too much for me but don’t want to go too low either

Hi Eli! Most of us have the opposite effect here, where we have to ultra low dose everything because we react quickly & hard to many supplements. So we don’t have personal experience with high doses, though I have seen the Sean Donahue piece about using higher amounts too. The main member who uses occasional ghost pipe for similar reasons, also finds this daily supplement most helpful, in case it hasn’t been on your radar already: https://painstresscenter.com/products/ac This combination seems to be a good synergy for their unique body chemistry, so maybe it’s not that you need more ghost pipe, but a matter of pinpointing exactly what you took/ate/watched/experienced/etc the same night that the 5 drops worked well & finding that perfect mashup for you. I wish I had more to offer about higher dosing, but agree with you that it’s a promising sign that it worked at one point!

I’ve been making tinctures of ghost pipe for years and find it’s effects wonderful. Used primarily as a sleep aid, it’s worked wonders for me when I get bouts of insomnia. I also have a history of severe migraines and lower back pain. It’s a remedy that works! I live in Vermont surrounded by high elevation old growth forest and it’s beyond plentiful here, so I’m fortunate to have easy access to it. 4-6 drops is my magic number. Should also be noted it’s a recognized remedy for not only physical pain, but emotionao and mental pain stemming from trauma, depression, anxiety, etc. as well. I’ve never had an unpleasant experience with it, and some years I may only use it a handful of times – it truly is a sacred plant and should be respected. I hope modern botanists, ethnobotanists, medical researchers, organic chemists, etc. can more fully research this in the years to come – it deserves the attention, but I also worry about this becoming mainstream and trendy and over-harvested, much like Chaga has become lately. Just my thoughts….

This is an informative introductory article that I’ve shared with many people: Ghost Pipe- A Little Known Nervine – American Herbalists Guild https://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/sites/default/files/donahue_sean_-_ghost_pipe-_a_little_known_nervine.pdf

Hi Neil, Thank you for sharing your helpful information and experiences with ghost pipe!

I have a special relationship with this plant, it came into my life 3 years in a row by unexpected means, all in the same weekend of the year. I found it incredibly strong, and I am someone who takes hero doses of most herbs to see results. Less is more, in my own experience. A drop is all that is needed, and I found it a powerful trauma releaser. It was quite scary actually, completely unexpected. If something is sitting in you, it will get it out. The first year, I stumbled on it hiking, and recognized it after having had it described to me from a colleague. I ran to town, got some vodka, and headed back to find it. My fingers were black by the time I was home. I think is is a very special plant, like them all, but something very powerful about this one. Drop dosing for trauma release, and with caution. The following year was different. I received a text from my daughter who was travelling (who never texts me!) with a photo of Ghostpipe. She then picked it and tinctured it. This time was different, I went in with eyes wide open and asked the plant if I should take it. The result was still unexpectedly strong! Basically just really strong emotions, but I just went on tbe ride this time. Kinda like the worst PMS bad mood day ever.

Very interesting “plant”

Hi Jenny, Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with ghost pipe! It really is a fascinating plant!

Jan, a friend and I went looking for chanterells and stumbled into hundreds of Ghost-pipes. We didn’t know about using alcohol for a tincture till we got back to where we had cell service. We had picked about 30 and bought 100% Vodka on the way home. We used a mason jar, cut the Ghostpipes and filled the mason jar. 2 day the contents are black. From what I’ve read here I will need to dilute a bit after 4 weeks. So I’m wondering if by waiting an hour to get the GP’s in the alcohol what could go wrong?

Hi Dave, What a great find! I think the flowers should be fine in that one hour window. I wouldn’t use completely black or disintegrated flowers that had been cut for hours, but if they were just aging a tiny bit and still mostly white, I personally wouldn’t have a problem using them.

Can you store the flowers by freezing or drying them? We get them each year but some years, like this one, we get way more

Hi Derek! I recently watched an excellent webinar with Dr Eric Burkhart of Penn State & his grad student, who is studying ghost pipe, and he mentioned that traditionally, the plant was used in the dried form, but over time it became popular to use it as an alcohol extract instead. I’ll need to re-watch the webinar when the replay link is published, to be certain of exact wording, but I believe he suggested drying at 95 degrees F with circulating air. Testing out dried flowers is high on my priority list! We’re having a lower flower year so far (because of a very dry spring impacting early bloomers), but one of my best ghost pipe spots should produce flowers later in the year, so hopefully I’ll have several flowers to dry and experiment with. I’m not sure about freezing though.

Thank you for the information. I sent an email with a photo, but I have another question here. I found one cluster of 18 plants with a group of 12 dried plants. Is this common or rare? I am a bit late finding them as I found them today August 16th. I am in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan so maybe our season is a bit different than southern states?

Hi Dennis! I got your email and replied earlier today; hope you got that message! That sounds like a good grouping of plants; I would classify that as common & personally harvest from an area like that.

Hello I have a 32 oz mason jar completely full of ghost pipe that I covered with ever clear after reading your article about only needing a few pipes should I dilute my tincture with water?

Hi Sheila! I would test the tincture (one drop) and see if you can gauge the strength before diluting. A larger amount of fresh plant matter may mean a larger amount of water content, so it may all balance out.

Were You Aware of These Ghost Pipe Benefits? [5 of the Best]

by Salman Khan Gurung
August 17, 2023

Were you surprised that the white fungus-looking plant, Ghost Pipe, encountered in your forest walk is used for preparing medicines?

Remember, this otherworldly, pale fungus look-alike has tremendous benefits, especially in homeopathy.

Please find out how to approach this ghost plant, harvest it, and obtain its inherent benefits.

Table of Contents Show

Ghost pipe overview, 1. ailment and pain relief, 2. anti-inflammatory effects, 3. relaxation and stress reduction, 4. digestive and sleep aid, 5. ecological significance, health considerations to keep in mind, where to buy ghost pipe, from editorial team.

Did you know Ghost Pipe is often confused for a fungus due to its ghostly white appearance?

In fact, it is a herbaceous perennial that grows throughout temperate regions in Asia, Europe, and North America.

It may look like a mushroom growing out of the ground in a shade of white with sometimes black specks or pink or red coloration.

If you are a newbie, here is what you need to know about the plant.

However, it only grows for a few weeks before disappearing under the ground, to reform next year.

The plant’s popularity and medicinal usage come from Native American history, where it was used for various ailments and disorders.

Although it has been widely found in homeopathic medicines, the actual medicinal benefit of the plant remains debatable.

Nonetheless, foragers should be aware of removing glycosides in the plant before applying them for medicinal use.

Note: When trying to duplicate this plant , remember to provide a temperate climate with a moist, shaded location, acidic soil rich in hummus, and woodland nearby to encourage the mycelium network.

5 Benefits of Ghost Pipe

Check out some of the Ghost Pipe plant’s unique benefits and applications.

Ghost Pipe has been traditionally used for its potential analgesic properties by Native Americans.

Consuming about 1-3 tincture drops mixed with little water is believed to relieve various types of pain, including headaches, muscle aches, and joint discomfort.

However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim.

Ghost Pipes may possess anti-inflammatory properties: aspirin-like chemicals account for their analgesic properties.

According to American Herbalists Guide , the plant’s juice mixed with rose water treats ophthalmic, general, and bladder inflammation.

Consult with your physician to use Ghost Pipe juice in moderation to reduce inflammation.

American Herbalists Guide points out the usage of plant tinctures in treating childhood seizures (febrile seizures), periodic fevers, and epileptic seizures.

It is believed to have calming properties that help soothe the mind and body, allowing for tranquility.

An expert claims the various dosage of plant tincture can ease both physical and emotional pain and has been recommended as an alternative to opiates.

Ghost Pipe tincture and juice have many digestive benefits.

It may help treat digestive disorders, including indigestion, stomachaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Similarly, it is traditionally used as a sleep aid to improve sleep quality; drinking a few drops of tincture or juice can have calming properties.

Otherwise, the tincture dosage and frequency can be raised to 1ml if the effects are absent.

Encouraging local woodlands can promote Ghost Pipe growth to support the local ecosystem.

Ghost Pipes play a vital role in forest ecosystems. As a mycoheterotrophic plant, it forms a symbiotic relationship with fungi, primarily from the Russulaceae family.

It participates in nutrient cycling and contributes to the balance of forest ecosystems.

Beware of its toxic properties no matter how useful the plant claims to be.

It would help if you took great care when harvesting the plant, which is scarce in some locales.

You should take only a few drops of up to 1 ml of the tincture to see the desired effect.

When used for culinary purposes, the raw plant shares a bland taste, like asparagus when cooked.

If you suspect plant poisoning in pets with symptoms such as vomiting, gastritis, irritation, pupil dilation, etc., consult these helplines immediately.

Due to the strange growth habit of Ghost Pipe, you are less likely to find it in the market.

However, you may still find some sellers specializing in collecting wild Ghost Pipes for retailing and selling as a tincture.

So, here are a few sellers specializing in Ghost Pipes.

People consider Ghost Pipe herbaceous plants, but there is no scientific proof of those benefits.

Therefore, you should use them at your discretion or consult an expert about the non-fatal dosage and frequency!

Consult with this article to identify Ghost Pipes to avoid mistaking wild fungus for this plant.

Salman Khan Gurung

Salman Gurung is a massive fan of all things green and strives to create the perfect conditions for plants to grow. Whether it is growing exotic flowers or simple houseplants, he takes joy in nurturing his plants and watching them thrive. He loves growing both indoor and outdoor plants, including succulents, anthuriums, and monsters, and he knows a lot about transplanting and reviving sickly plants.

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Sanctuaries

Forest Ghost Flower

Native to India, Forest Ghost Flower is a gregarious root parasite seen on shaded forest floor during monsoon. Leafless flowers are in one group, red purple or even white, solitary on a slender erect scape.Flowers have a curious shape - the sepal tube is split, from which emerges a rosy pink flowers tube. They look like rose-buds in brownish holders. Occurs on forest floor covered with decayed leaves.

Regional Names

Hindi: आँकुरी बाँकुरी
Malayalam: കീരിപൂ
Marathi: गुलाबदाणी

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10 Flowers That Represent Darkness: Embrace The Dark Side

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Darkness has long been associated with mystery, power, and even fear. It’s no wonder that flowers that represent darkness have an intriguing allure.

These blooms are often shrouded in folklore and symbolism, making them all the more fascinating. In this article, we’ll explore 10 flowers that represent darkness and the meanings behind them.

From the elegant black rose to the eerie ghost flower, these flowers are sure to captivate and intrigue you.

The black rose, also known as the “black magic” rose, is a flower that represents darkness due to its association with death, the unknown, and mystery.

It is said to symbolize the end of a relationship, the passing of a loved one, or the mourning of a loss. In some cultures, the black rose is also associated with evil and the occult.

Despite its name, the black rose does not actually exist naturally, and any flowers marketed as black roses are actually very dark shades of red, purple, or other colors.

However, this has not stopped the black rose from becoming a popular symbol of darkness and intrigue in art, literature, and culture.

Black Hollyhock

The black hollyhock, also known as Alcea rosea ‘Nigra,’ is a unique and intriguing flower that represents darkness. With its dark, almost black color, this flower has a sense of mystery and intrigue that makes it perfect for representing the darker side of life.

The black hollyhock is a tall and elegant flower that can grow up to six feet tall, with large, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in the summer months.

Its deep, almost black color is a symbol of the unknown and the mysterious, making it a perfect choice for anyone who wants to add a touch of darkness to their garden or floral arrangements.

Despite its dark appearance, the black hollyhock is a hardy and resilient plant that can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of drama and intrigue to their landscape.

Black Tulip

The black tulip is a unique and rare flower that represents darkness, mystery, and elegance. Unlike other tulip colors, black tulips are not a naturally occurring color, and they are the result of years of breeding and cultivation to create a deep, dark hue.

Due to their dark and intense color, black tulips have become associated with death and mourning, and they are often used in funeral arrangements or to express condolences.

However, the black tulip is also a symbol of power, sophistication, and elegance. In some cultures, the black tulip is associated with royalty and nobility, as it was believed that only the wealthiest and most powerful people could afford such a rare and precious flower.

The black tulip also represents the mysteries of the universe and the unknown, as its dark and mysterious color is both alluring and intimidating.

Despite their association with darkness, black tulips can also symbolize resilience and strength. They are a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always the possibility of new growth and beauty.

As such, the black tulip can be a powerful symbol of hope and perseverance, inspiring us to overcome adversity and emerge stronger and more beautiful than ever before.

The black lily, also known as the calla lily, is a flower that is often associated with darkness and mystery.

It is known for its striking black color, which is the result of selective breeding, and its elegant shape. In many cultures, the black lily is seen as a symbol of death, mourning, and the dark side of life.

Despite its dark reputation, the black lily can also represent rebirth and transformation. In some cultures, it is seen as a symbol of the underworld and the afterlife, representing the journey from life to death and back again.

In this way, the black lily can be seen as a flower of both darkness and light, representing the duality of life and death.

The black lily is also often associated with strength and resilience, as it is able to grow and thrive in difficult conditions. This makes it a powerful symbol for those who have faced hardship or adversity in their lives.

Overall, the black lily is a complex and intriguing flower that represents many different facets of life, including darkness, transformation, and resilience.

Black Pansy

Black pansies are a type of flower that are known for their deep, rich color, which often appears almost black. These flowers are often used in gardening and landscaping to add a dramatic and mysterious touch to gardens and outdoor spaces.

In terms of symbolism, black pansies are often associated with darkness and mystery. Their dark coloration can be interpreted as representing the unknown and the hidden, adding a sense of intrigue and depth to any setting in which they are placed.

Black pansies are also sometimes associated with mourning and remembrance. Their dark petals can be seen as a symbol of grief and loss, and they are often used in arrangements and displays for funerals and other solemn occasions.

Overall, black pansies are a unique and striking flower that can add an air of mystery and depth to any setting.

Their rich coloration and symbolism make them a popular choice for those looking to create a dramatic and impactful aesthetic in their gardens or outdoor spaces.

Black Petunia

Black petunia is a unique flower that stands out for its dark and mysterious appearance. The deep black color of the petals is associated with darkness and represents a sense of mystery, elegance, and sophistication. These flowers are often used in funeral arrangements and as a symbol of mourning.

Black petunias are not naturally occurring in the wild, but are a result of genetic engineering. They were first introduced in the market in the early 2000s and since then have become increasingly popular due to their striking appearance.

These flowers are also known for their longevity and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, making them a popular choice for landscaping and garden decoration.

In terms of symbolism, black petunias represent the darker aspects of life, such as grief, sadness, and loss. They are often associated with the concept of death and are used to represent the passing of a loved one.

However, black petunias can also represent strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Their ability to thrive in difficult conditions serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope for growth and renewal.

Black Calla Lily

The black calla lily, also known as Zantedeschia Schwarzwalder, is a rare and unusual flower that is often associated with darkness and mystery. It is a member of the Arum family and is native to southern Africa.

The black calla lily features a striking, trumpet-shaped bloom that is typically a deep purple or black color. Its stem and leaves are also dark, often with a glossy sheen.

The black calla lily’s dark coloration has led to its association with darkness and mystery, and it is often used in gothic or macabre floral arrangements. However, the flower also holds significance in other cultures and traditions.

In Ancient Egypt, the calla lily was associated with resurrection and rebirth, and was often used in funerary wreaths. In Christianity, the flower is sometimes associated with the Virgin Mary and the Annunciation.

The black calla lily is also sometimes used to symbolize strength and resilience in the face of adversity, as it is a plant that can thrive in challenging growing conditions.

Overall, the black calla lily is a unique and intriguing flower that can be used to represent a variety of themes and emotions, including darkness, mystery, strength, and rebirth.

Black Orchid

Black orchids are a rare and exotic flower that have captivated people’s imaginations for centuries. The dark, mysterious beauty of black orchids has earned them a reputation as a flower that represents darkness.

Black orchids are associated with mystery, elegance, and sophistication, as well as the unknown and the unseen. The dark color of the flowers adds an air of secrecy and intrigue to their appearance, making them a popular choice for people who are drawn to the darker aspects of life.

Despite their association with darkness, black orchids also have a positive side. They are said to represent the idea that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty to be found. This makes black orchids a symbol of hope and resilience, as well as mystery and intrigue.

In many cultures, black orchids are also associated with death and mourning, as well as rebirth and renewal. They are often used in funeral arrangements and other somber occasions, but can also be used to represent new beginnings and fresh starts.

Overall, the black orchid is a flower that is both beautiful and enigmatic, representing both the darker and lighter aspects of life.

Black Poppy

The black poppy is a flower that represents darkness due to its strikingly dark color, which is not commonly found in nature. The black poppy is often associated with death, sorrow, and remembrance, making it a popular symbol for mourning and grief.

The black poppy is also commonly associated with sleep, dreams, and the subconscious, making it a popular symbol for dark, mysterious, and sometimes even dangerous thoughts or ideas.

In addition to its symbolism, the black poppy also has a rich history and cultural significance. In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, poppies were associated with the goddess of agriculture, Demeter, and were often used in funeral rites.

During World War I, the red poppy became a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers, and the black poppy emerged as a symbol of mourning for the families of those who had died.

Overall, the black poppy is a flower that represents darkness in a variety of ways, from its strikingly dark color to its associations with death, grief, and the subconscious.

Black Dahlia

The black dahlia, also known as Dahlia ‘Arabian Night’, is a flower that is often associated with darkness and mystery. Its dark and velvety petals are almost black in color, which gives it an almost ominous appearance.

The name “Black Dahlia” is derived from the Elizabeth Short murder case in the 1940s where the victim was known to be wearing a flower in her hair that resembled a dark dahlia.

The black dahlia is often used in funeral arrangements and other somber occasions as a symbol of mourning, loss, and the unknown.

It is also associated with the darker aspects of life, such as death and the supernatural. In some cultures, the black dahlia is even believed to have magical properties, including the ability to attract positive energy and ward off negative energies.

Despite its dark connotations, the black dahlia can also symbolize elegance, strength, and resilience. Its striking appearance and hardy nature make it a popular choice for gardeners who are looking to add a touch of drama to their landscapes.

Overall, the black dahlia is a flower that represents the complex and multifaceted nature of darkness, embodying both beauty and mystery.

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Have you ever seen a ghost flower? This rare, pearly white flower grows in the dark in CT.

During the summer, a mysterious, rare and unusual plant can be found in the deep shadows of the forest.

Between June and September, pearly white ghost pipe plants appear. Hiding from the sun, they emerge near the base of mature trees and the cool moist shade of deep forests and are known for their waxy, almost translucent stems and flowers. The stem at the top of each plant, where a single blossom appears, points downward, giving it the appearance of a pipe. This downward shape of the flower conveniently prevents rainwater from diluting its nectar, which attracts pollinators.

These plants have also been called Indian pipes or ghost flowers due to the fact that, unlike most plants, they lack color. These fascinating wild plants have no chlorophyll, don’t depend on photosynthesis and grow in the dark of forests where other wild plants more dependent on sunlight would have difficulty growing.

I find these plants this time of year while hiking our wooded trails and always stop for a close look and to take a few pictures. The ghostly white plants stand out among the rust-colored pine needles and bark of the mature trees in the dark understory.

Here is some information about these fascinating plants from the U.S. Forest Service website.

Ghost pipe (also known as Indian Pipe) is a member of the Monotropaceae family. The genus name Monotropa is Greek for "one turn" referring to sharp recurving of top of the stem, and the specific epithet is Latin for “one flowered.”

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This native plant species is found throughout the majority of the United States in deep, shady woods at low to moderate elevations. This species is also found in Asia.

These perennial plants are generally 4-8 inches tall, with small scale-like leaves, and white five-parted flowers. Plants only have one flower per stem, and flowering occurs roughly from June through September. Stems can be found alone but are commonly found in small clusters.

It is striking in appearance because it is completely white, although individuals can have pink coloration and black specks. How does this plant survive without the green pigment chlorophyll? Chlorophyll is responsible for harnessing the sun’s energy to produce carbohydrates, a process known as photosynthesis. Ghost pipe saps nutrients and carbohydrates from tree roots through an intermediate source, myccorhizal fungi in the genera Russula and Lactarius.

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The website link can be found at: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/monotropa_uniflora.shtml

After pollination, the stem and single flower turn upward producing fruit. The fruit is a small, brownish capsule. When it dies, it dries up and its seeds are released through slits in the skin. When it completes its annual life cycle it turns a blackish brown color.

Ghost pipe plants are perennial and will reappear in the same location each year. The plant is considered rare, however, it is not listed on the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s list of endangered, threatened and species of special concern plants.

The plant is very difficult to propagate and cultivate and will likely not survive transplanting from the wild. An abundant amount of forest humus around the plant would be necessary, as well as the appropriate fungi needed for its survival. It also needs the deep shade of mature trees. If you find it the woods near your house or on regular jaunts through our region’s forestlands, take pictures and enjoy its unearthly presence.

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I hope you’ll join me as we explore The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor’s woodlands. Perhaps you’ll discover the ghost pipe plant and pause to take in the amazing plant that grows in the shadows. We live in a beautiful place called The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. Together let us enjoy it, care for it and pass it on.

Additional information on ghost pipe plants was sourced from The Chattahoochee Nature Center website and article by Emma Schell, “The Flower that Grows in the Dark.”

Bill Reid is the Chief Ranger of The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor He can be reached at 860-774-3300 or [email protected]

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