Monotropa uniflora. It's a parasitic plant (a mycoheterotroph to be specific).

Not mushrooms, but Indian Pipes, a type of non-chlorphyll bearing plant that receives nutrients from a fungi that is attached to tree roots. It is not a parasite or saprophyte and will not harm trees. They are sometimes colored a bright pink.
They are sometimes called "Corpse Plant" as they turn black and gelatinous if picked.

Here is a link that might be useful: Indian Pipes in Nashville, Tennessee

This post was edited by DEdwards on Sat, Aug 3, 13 at 9:12

thank you guys! also very confusing to get an email notification through gardenweb from DEdwards as I have a brother D. Edwards lol

A couple of those came up under a Monterey pine in my yard this year. I enjoyed them greatly.