SafePlants

California Pinefoot (Pityopus californicus)

Pityopus californicus, commonly known as California pinefoot, is a fascinating wildflower found in specific regions of the western United States.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Pityopus californicus (Eastw.) Copeland f.
• Common Name: California pinefoot (also sometimes referred to as pinefoot)
• Family: Ericaceae (Heath Family) or Monotropaceae (Indian-Pipe Family) depending on taxonomic classification.
• Genus: Pityopus (a monotypic genus, meaning it contains only one species)
• Synonyms:
  • Pityopus californica (Eastw.) H.F. Copel.
  • Monotropa californica Eastw.
  • USDA Symbol: PICA9
• Element Code: PDMON05010

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the mountains of the West Coast of the United States.
• Geographic distribution ranges from Washington to the Bay Area in California.
• Found at elevations below 1,800 metres (5,900 ft).
• Also found in Oregon, portions of western Nevada, and northern Baja Mexico.

Morphological Characteristics

• Herbaceous perennial wildflower
• Forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass)

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Found in conifer forests.
• Grows alongside other plants such as *Lilium rubescens*.
• Associated with other members of Monotropaceae (Indian-Pipe family) such as *Monotropa uniflora* (Indian pipe), *Hemitomes congestum* (Gnome plant), and *Pleuricospora* (Fringed pinesap).

Further Information

• CalPhotos is a project of BSCIT University of California, Berkeley, containing photos of Pityopus californicus.
• Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of the species.
• Project Noah is a platform for exploring and documenting local wildlife.