Sarcodes Sanguinea is a flowering plant that is commonly known as snow plant. It is a perennial herb that grows in the mountains of western North America. The plant is characterized by a bright red stem and fleshy, scaly leaves. It is a parasitic plant that relies on the roots of trees for nutrients. Synonyms for Sarcodes Sanguinea include "snow queen," "earth star," and "fireball." These names all refer to the striking appearance of the plant, which stands out against the snow and forest floor. Snow plant is also used in traditional medicine by Native American cultures to treat a variety of ailments.