These are commonly known as Indian pipe.  Botanical name Monotropa uniflora.

 

Also called ghost flower or corpse plant, it is completely lacking in chlorophyll.  Leaves, stems, flowers are all white, and waxy looking.  Since it has no chlorophyll, it doesn't manufacture food from sunlight.  It derives its nourishment from decayed vegetable matter in the soil.  You can see them growing in the dark woods, sprouting up through deep rotting leaves, and from fallen trees trunks.  The flowers are only about 3-8 inches tall with their distinctive nodding heads.  

 

Indian pipe is unconventional, but not uncommon.  We've seen it in Virginia Beach, altitude 0; and Jon found these in our woods, altitude 2300.  They have started blooming, and you should be able to see them through the summer.  As if this close up is not thrilling enough, check out this patch!!!

 

 

I hope you get to see this unusual flower on your walks in the woods.

 

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!