Indian Pipes

Member of Ericacea Family
Blooms : July - August

I found this plant last summer and thought it was in the fungi family. I did not know what it was and could not identify it. I finally have been able to identify it on a website from the University of Texas.


In fact, it is not related to the fungi at all, it is a plant which lacks chlorophyll, giving it it's white, waxey color. It does not require sunlight to grow. It lives in dark, boggy, very wet areas. Since it does not thrive off sunlight, it gets nutrients from fungi and tree roots. Is called "heterotrophic" --meaning does not require sunlight, has no chlorophyll.

It has several common names: Ghost Flower, Ghost Pipe, Fairy Smoke and Fit Root. Click on picture and see just how unusual it is. Strangely, this plant is related to the Blueberry, Cranberry and even the Azalea family. Sometimes the color varies to light pinks and light orange. It is found almost all over the world, but only in North East Texas and extreme south Texas in our state.


Native Americans used this plant for many medicinal purposes. The juices were used for eye lotions, treating for spasms, fainting spells, nervousness, colds and fevers. Crushed plants were used to rub on warts and bunions. They also chewed the flower heads for toothache.

"I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works."
Psalm 145:5