Snow Plant at Lake Tahoe

by: Elizabeth Sedway, TahoeKidsGuide.com

Snow Plant (Sarcodes sanguinea) The Snow Plant, unlike other plants, does not benefit from photosynthesis. Instead it derives life from underground fungi associated with adjacent pine trees. Because of this dependence on fungi and not sunlight, the entire aboveground section of the plant is bright red. Snow plant is equally spectacular when it's blooming, as seen in these pictures, or when it has just poked above the soil.

Habitat: Humus-rich, shady areas from 4,000 - 9,000 feet. Found primarily in western states.

Size: The tube-shaped flowers are less than an inch in diameter. The plant ranges from 6 - 12 inches tall.

Flowering Season: May - July

This Photo: Taken at D.L. Bliss State Park on May 31, 2009.

For more info about summer gear: Sign up for REI Gearmail and save 15%!

For more info about: Califoria State Parks closure threat; Legislative Analyst's Office Proposes to Save California State Parks

For more info about at Lake Tahoe: TahoeKidsGuide.com

For Lake Tahoe summer camp info: Lake Tahoe Summer Camp Series

Questions? Want to see a certain topic addressed?

Add a comment here or email me.

Copyright ©2009 by TahoeKidsGuide.com, Inc.. All rights reserved