Sierra Wild Flowers - Lake Tahoe
  wildflower photo    Scientific Name: Sarcodes sanguinea
   Common Name: Snowplant
   Family: Heath
   Color: Bright Red

 

Description: They begin as large asparagus-like shoots that poke through the forest floor. Long, strip-like leaves wrap tightly around the fleshy stalk until they peel back and reveal urn-shaped flowers.

Habitat: Common in shady forest up to 8,000 feet.

Edibility/Toxicity: Though some Native Americans collected it for food, it is now protected from collection and destruction by California Law, punishable by fine.

Comments: Some Native Americans also used it for tooth aches and mouth pain by drying it and then grinding it into a powder.

wildflower photo

wildflower photo

wildflower photo