Rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera oblongifolia) is an evergreen perennial in the orchid family.
- Western rattlesnake plantain grows from rhizomes and will have a thick base.
- Stems grow 25 – 40 cm tall.
- Basal leaves are oblong and green with white veins (the rattlesnake reference).
- Flowers are usually many, one-sided, whitish/greenish, and small.
- All photos (except one) by the author. Click an image for a lightbox view.
- Capsules form after flowering.
- The plant can be found in a variety of habitats, but most often in evergreen forests.
- Western rattlesnake plantain may also be called large-leaved rattlesnake orchid or giant rattlesnake plantain.
- Goodyera are pollinated by bees and flies.
- Goodyera are most often progagated by division or cuttings.
- Another variety of Goodyera is Dwarf rattlesnake plantain (G. repens) which has smaller leaves and no white veins.
