Nature Notes: A Fascinating Look at the Snow Plant of Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is full of nature’s marvels. From world-famous rock formations to scary wildlife standoffs, the park is one of the premier destinations in the United States for people to see the wilderness up close and personal. Even the plants are fascinating and beautiful and there’s one that’s a favorite among the park’s rangers.

The snow plant, Sarcodes Sanguinea, is a distinctive red plant that grows on the forest floor in late May and June, and can often be seen along park roads. The plant lacks the color green and sometimes grows through patches of snow. Snow plants are found throughout California, northern Baja Mexico and Southern Oregon.

Snow plants thrive between 4,000 and 8,000 feet in elevation. Lacking chlorophyll, snow plants nourish themselves by parasitizing on a fungus found in forest floor soils. This fungus has a mutually beneficial relationship with nearby pine and fir trees, helping the trees get water and nutrients in exchange for sugars from the tree. The snow plant has tapped into this energy source, obtaining nutrients and sugars from the fungus. Several other plant species in the park, pinedrops and some orchids, have developed a similar parasitic lifestyle. Many animals and insects feed on the pollen and nectar of the snow plant, including hummingbirds and bees.

“Anyone who comes to the Sierra Nevada this time of the year is going to be captivated by this plant,” stated Yosemite Park Ranger Erik Westerlund, who is featured in the video below.

The most common places in Yosemite to see Snow Plants is in Yosemite Valley, the Mariposa Grove, Glacier Point, along the Wawona Road and Tioga Road, and near the Porcupine Creek Trailhead.

Watch this video to see the Snow Plant in action:

Active NorCal

Telling the Stories of Northern California

133 Comments

  1. I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays.

  2. Very good blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally confused .. Any recommendations? Kudos!

  3. I don’t know if it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing problems with your blog. It seems like some of the text on your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too? This could be a problem with my web browser because I’ve had this happen before. Appreciate it

  4. Undeniably believe that that you stated. Your favourite justification appeared to be at the internet the simplest thing to have in mind of. I say to you, I definitely get irked even as other folks consider worries that they plainly do not recognise about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top as smartlyand also defined out the whole thing with no need side effect , folks can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you

  5. Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to create a good article? but what can I say? I procrastinate a lot and never seem to get anything done.

  6. It is appropriate time to make a few plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this submit and if I may just I want to recommend you few fascinating things or advice. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things approximately it!

  7. What i do not realize is in reality how you’re not really a lot more well-favored than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You understand therefore significantly relating to this matter, produced me for my part believe it from so many various angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be interested until it’s something to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. All the time take care of it up!

  8. Awesome blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your design. Cheers

  9. Howdy would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a reasonable price? Cheers, I appreciate it!

  10. What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & assist other users like its helped me. Good job.

  11. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

  12. Hmm it seems like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any recommendations for novice blog writers? I’d certainly appreciate it.

  13. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Great work!

  14. Hello! I’ve been following your weblog for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Huffman Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great job!

  15. I am extremely inspired with your writing skills and alsowell as with the layout in your blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it yourself? Either way stay up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays..

  16. I’m now not positive where you are getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend a while learning more or understanding more. Thank you for fantastic information I used to be looking for this information for my mission.

  17. Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked while people consider worries that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

  18. My brother suggested I might like this website. He used to be totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t believe just how much time I had spent for this information! Thank you!

  19. Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  20. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% positive. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it

  21. I’m not sure why but this website is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.

  22. Undeniably consider that that you stated. Your favourite justification appeared to be at the net the simplest thing to keep in mind of. I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst other people consider concerns that they plainly do not understand about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top as smartly as defined out the whole thing with no need side effect , other people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you

  23. Hello would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a reasonable price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

  24. You can definitely see your expertise in the article you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart.

  25. I feel this is one of the so much important information for me. And i’m satisfied reading your article. However wanna observation on few basic things, The website taste is perfect, the articles is in reality nice : D. Just right activity, cheers

  26. Hey, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, awesome blog!

  27. Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your website on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, wonderful site!

  28. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Many thanks, However I am experiencing issues with your RSS. I don’t know why I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anybody else getting identical RSS problems? Anyone who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanx!!

  29. I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays.

  30. Thank you, I have recently been searching for information approximately this topic for a while and yours is the best I have came upon so far. However, what concerning the conclusion? Are you positive concerning the source?

  31. Hey, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, great blog!

  32. hi!,I really like your writing so so much! proportion we keep in touch more approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert in this space to unravel my problem. May be that is you! Looking forward to peer you.

  33. Hi there! I just would like to give you a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.

  34. What’s up all, here every one is sharing such knowledge, so it’s pleasant to read this blog, and I used to pay a visit this website every day.

  35. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  36. Hi, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any help is very much appreciated.

  37. I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something that not enough people are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to this.

  38. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  39. What i do not realize is actually how you’re not really a lot more smartly-appreciated than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You know therefore significantly on the subject of this matter, produced me personally believe it from numerous various angles. Its like men and women aren’t fascinated until it’s something to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always deal with it up!

  40. Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will come back sometime soon. I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great posts, have a nice morning!

  41. Simply want to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness for your publish is simply spectacular and i can assume you are a professional in this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to grasp your RSS feed to stay up to date with drawing close post. Thank you a million and please continue the gratifying work.

  42. hi!,I love your writing so so much! proportion we communicate more approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert in this space to unravel my problem. May be that is you! Looking forward to peer you.

  43. My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t consider just how so much time I had spent for this information! Thank you!

  44. What i do not realize is in fact how you’re now not really a lot more smartly-liked than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You know therefore significantly when it comes to this topic, produced me individually consider it from so many various angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be interested unless it’s something to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your personal stuffs nice. All the time care for it up!

  45. Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept

  46. Good day very nice web site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds also? I am satisfied to find so many useful information here in the post, we need develop more strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  47. Hi this is somewhat of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  48. Simply want to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness in your post is simply cool and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the rewarding work.

  49. I’m not sure where you are getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend a while studying more or working out more. Thank you for wonderful information I used to be in search of this information for my mission.

  50. Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Many thanks

  51. When I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a means you can remove me from that service? Many thanks!

  52. I am extremely inspired together with your writing talents and alsosmartly as with the format on your blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it yourself? Either way stay up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one these days..

  53. Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after going through some of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely pleased I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!

  54. naturally like your web-site however you need to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth however I will certainly come back again.

  55. I blog frequently and I genuinely appreciate your content. This great article has really peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your website and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.

  56. Hi there I am so happy I found your site, I really found you by error, while I was researching on Askjeeve for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a fantastic post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the superb job.

  57. Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your post seem to be running off the screen in Firefox. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem resolved soon. Kudos

  58. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

  59. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  60. Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based upon on the same ideas you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

  61. Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author. I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will often come back from now on. I want to encourage that you continue your great job, have a nice day!

  62. We stumbled over here from a different website and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to looking at your web page again.

  63. whoah this blog is fantastic i love reading your articles. Stay up the good work! You know, a lot of individuals are hunting around for this info, you can help them greatly.

  64. Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

  65. We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with helpful information to work on. You have performed an impressive process and our whole group will be grateful to you.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button