When It’s an Indian Pipe
By Jennifer Devine
Rising in June under oak, beech or pine trees and blooming through September amongst decaying leaves and plant matter is a pure-white, sometimes translucent or pink-tinged flower. The plant’s 3- to 10-inch stem bends over like a cane from which hangs a single bell- or bowl-shaped flower, thus giving the flower its many names: Ghost Pipe, Ghost Plant, Ice Plant and Indian Pipe, (Monotropa uniflora). In Latin, mono means single, tropa stands for turn, uni is one and flora is flower. Do not confuse it with the Ghost Flower, (Mohavea confertiflora).
Indian Pipe in Michigan
Those unfamiliar with Indian Pipe most often come across this alien-looking flower on hikes. Since the flower lacks chlorophyll and sucks the nutrients out of nearby sources, it is often mistaken for a fungus. What a twist that this mistaken mushroom is a part of the blueberry (Ericaceae) family! With all the rain we’ve been having, interspersed with dry heat, the growing conditions are perfect for popping up Indian Pipes!
Uses
Its leaves, or lack thereof, are described more like scales or bracts, reminiscent of an asparagus stalk. While you could technically eat it raw, it would have no flavor. If you fry it, Indian Pipe supposedly tastes like asparagus. Indian Pipe has been used for centuries for its healing and natural properties. However, I believe this is one of those “take only photos” plants, especially because of its mild toxicity.
Bumblebees are this ethereal beauty’s main pollinator. After pollination, the perennial wildflower points skyward for a few more weeks, waiting for its seeds to be carried away on the wind. The whole thing starts turning black when dying, hence, its other name: Corpse Plant. You won’t want to confuse it with the Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum) which is huge and smells like rotting garbage. Indian Pipe has either a slightly herbal/woodsy scent or none at all.
Habitat
Propagating Indian Pipe is another matter altogether. The flower produces several seeds, but few will germinate and grow to become mature plants. This is because they need exact conditions: decaying matter, deep-dark shade and contact with its food source, the appropriate mycorrhizal fungus. For these reasons, the flower is most often seen in older forests, especially those with rich soils.
According to Cherokee legend, Indian Pipe plants came into the world because of human selfishness. Read the story here; https://www.angelfire.com/ny5/spiritsong/IndianPipePlant.html. The Indian pipe plant was created to remind people to smoke the pipe only at the time they make peace.
Today, myth has it that the flowers grow only where quarrels and differences still need to be resolved.
There is still time to hunt this hauntingly fascinating plant. Take the time to reflect inwardly and make peace while mesmerized by this Fairy Smoke in MI Backyard.
