Pinedrops

P. andromedea

Pinedrops is the common name for the plant Pterospora andromedea of the family Ericaceae. Pterospora andromedea grow in coniferous forrests in heavy soil. They are native to Western North America primarily and grow to a hight of approximately 1 to 3 feet. Their blooming season is June - August. The Pterospora andromedea grow in small clusters of stalks rising from the ground. These stalks are hairy and therefore somewhat sticky to the touch. They have scale-like leaves and, in bloom, support a raceme of yellowish, bellshaped flowers.

Pterospora andromedea are particularly interesting plants due to their distinct lack of chlorophyll. For this reason, pinedrops must maintain a mycorrhizal relationship with a tree (most often a pine, or some other conifer) in order to obtain nutrients. Additionally, this lack of cholorphyll causes pinedrops to be a brilliant red (sometimes with white), rather than green.