Goodyera oblongifolia

Rattlesnake Plantain

Rattlesnake Plantain
aka Large Rattlesnake Orchid, Green-leaf Rattlesnake Plantain. The highly distinctive leaves so dominant the character of this plant that the beauty of the flowers is easily overlooked. They are, for after all, orchids! The greenish-white flowers are only 1/4 – 3/8″ (6 – 8 mm) clustered in one direction on the stem which rises 1/2 – 1 1/2′. The leaves form a rosette at the base. Their central white strip and texture give a mottling effect, thus the rattlesnake resemblance. Common in shady forests in more dry conditions below 4,500′ elevation.

Family:

Orchidaceae - ORCHID FAMILY

Genus:

Goodyera for John Goodyear, a 17th century English botanist

Species:

oblongifolia means 'oblong-leaved'
Photo location: WLT near White River and Paul Peak trail.