Goodyera oblongifolia

Common Names

Western Rattlesnake Plantain, Giant Rattlesnake Plantain, Rattlesnake Plantain

Summary

Goodyera oblongifolia Raf. is a North American terrestrial orchid that forms rosettes of evergreen leaves with a prominent white midrib; a rhizomatous geophyte growing to about 10–40 cm tall, it bears a flowering spike of small white flowers in cool, moist forests and woodlands, often on forest floors in coniferous or mixed woods.

It thrives in mostly shade with regular moisture in average to well-drained soils and is slow-growing; propagation is by division or seeds, and it can be cultivated in gardens or greenhouses, making it suitable for woodland garden plantings and shade landscapes.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-16 inches

Spread

8-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3b-8b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade, tolerates partial sun and full shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; loam or sandy loam with a pH around 6.5–7.5

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil that remains evenly moist but not waterlogged (e.g., loam or sandy loam)

Soil pH

6.5-7.5, acidic soil (subacid humus)

Bloom Color

White (often tinged with green)

Bloom Time

Summer to early Fall

Foliage Color

Green with white markings

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Goodyera oblongifolia shows rapid vegetative growth, with mean rhizomatous growths ranging from 0.46 to 1.74, higher when flowering.

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, In vitro culture

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees