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Overview
Sarcodes spp. is a genus in the heath family (Ericaceae) represented by a single recognized species, S. sanguinea, native to western North America. Plants are mycoheterotrophic perennials that contain no chlorophyll and draw all carbon from soil fungi linked to conifer roots. Fleshy flowering stems emerge directly from the forest floor, reaching 6-16 inches (15-40 cm) tall, and are entirely red to scarlet. The stem is covered in overlapping scale-like bracts rather than true foliage leaves. Bell-shaped flowers, each about 0.5-0.75 inch (12-18 mm) long, are arranged in a dense raceme along the upper stem and range from deep red to pink-red. Flowering occurs as snow melts in spring and early summer, after which the stem darkens, dries, and persists for several weeks. Because the plant depends on a specific fungal partnership, it grows only in established conifer forests and is not transplanted or cultivated. Whole plants arise from underground tissue and do not form leaves, branches, or green stems at any stage. Populations appear sporadically and may not emerge in the same spot in consecutive years.
Native Range
Native to montane conifer forests of the western United States, from the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range of California and Oregon through parts of the Great Basin ranges. Occurs at 4,000-10,000 feet (1,200-3,000 m) elevation in soils rich in decaying conifer litter.Suggested Uses
Sarcodes spp. is observed in its native conifer forest habitat and is not used in horticulture or container growing. It cannot be established in gardens because of its dependence on forest soil fungi.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'4"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Red to scarletFoliage Description
Red scale-like bractsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight