Etymology: Monotropa: Greek for "one turn" referring to sharp recurving of top of the stem
Plants: erect, perennial, 4"-8" tall forb, waxy white with no chlorophyll, turning brown with age; stems solitary or in a small cluster
Leaves: overlapping, scale-like
Flowers: white, 5-parted, 1/3"-2/3" long, nodding but erect in fruit, odorless, petals separate; solitary; blooms June-Sept.
Fruits: erect capsule
Habitat: woods, forests; in rich soil
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 5, Wetland Indicator = FACU Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine: Information and Photos USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"