Snowplant (Sarcodes sanguinea) is in the heath family family (Ericaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,246 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in June.
Nationally it blooms mainly from May to June, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Snowplant: observations by month (U.S.)
About Snowplant
Sarcodes is a monotypic genus of a north-west American, springtime, flowering plant in the heath family (Ericaceae), containing the single species Sarcodes sanguinea, commonly called the snow plant or snow flower. It is a parasitic plant that derives sustenance and nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi that attach to roots of trees. Lacking chlorophyll, it is unable to photosynthesize. Ectomycorrhizal (EM) symbioses involve a mutualism between a plant root and a fungus; the plant provides fixed carbon to...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Snowplant by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,177 | June | May–Jun |
| Nevada | 49 | June | May–Jun |
| Oregon | 20 | June | Jun–Jun |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (heath family)
Striped Wintergreen
Trailing Arbutus
Mountain Laurel
Ghost Pipe
Pipsissewa
Great Rhododendron
Sheep Laurel
Flame Azalea
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Snowplant?
Nationally, June has the most observations, with the main season from May to June.
Where is Snowplant most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Nevada, Oregon.