Monotropa uniflora, first described by Linnaeus in Species Plantarum, takes its name from Greek (monos = one, tropos = turn) and Latin (uniflora = one flower), referring to its single, nodding bloom. Commonly known as Ghost Pipe, it is a perennial lacking chlorophyll and instead gains nutrients through mycotrophy?parasitizing fungi connected to tree roots. The plant is typically white, though it can occasionally appear pink or red.

Ghost Pipes grow in mesic to dry upland forests, often beneath conifers or members of the beech family, where their fungal partners are present. Long-tongued bumblebees serve as key pollinators. Due to its reliance on complex fungal networks, Ghost Pipe cannot be cultivated. It is not available commercially and, if it appears naturally, should be appreciated in place.

"Last summer, while on a walk through the woods, I wandered off the path and stumbled on a cluster of what I initially thought to be white mushrooms. I soon discovered they were actually ghost pipes, a wonderful native flower that only grows on forest floors, as they require fungal networks to obtain their nutrients. Upon seeing them, I remember being struck by how they almost seemed to glow against the dark decaying leaves. This, along with their ragged translucent petals, really did make me feel like I was looking at specters of flowers. When VNPS announced the contest for designs featuring ghost pipes, I immediately recalled that luminous glow and knew that was the impression I wanted my drawing to evoke. Referencing photos I took from that day in the woods, I attempted to make a design in which I hope others can appreciate the delicate detail and otherworldly beauty that I saw in this enchanting plant." - Maggie Johnson