Woodland Pinedrops (Pterospora andromedea)
Bull Run Lake, Old Growth Forest
August 2026

Woodland Pinedrops (Pterospora andromedea) are mycoheterotrophic plants. They grow in coniferous forests where their roots, via mychorrizal connection, parasitize the roots of nearby pine trees or other conifer species. They lack the ability to photosynthesize on their own. Pinedrops are also a protocarniverous plant. It secrets an enzyme rich sticky substance on its stem that can trap small insects to break down and absorb nitrogen.

Rough-skinned newt
Yakona Nature Preserve
February 2026

Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena Vatia) abushes a Yellow-faced Bumblebee
(Bombus vosnesenskii) on a Thistle bloom at Multnomah Falls.
August 2025