A shade loving plant, Indian Pipe requires a host tree to support its life cycle. This does group them in the parasitic family of plants, however they are not rampant in their growth, and don't harm the shrub or tree. They are closer to the growth habit of mushrooms growing on a tree stump.

These are one of the most spectacular native plants because they are stark white against the forest soil. They seem like mushrooms but are actually plants that lack the chlorophyll pigment that makes plants green. These little beauties will certainly brighten up any shady garden spot yearly from mid to late summer. They send up the white blooming flower structure in summer just like tulips or other flowering bulbs do.