Goodyera pubescens

Common Names

Downy Rattlesnake Plantain, Rattlesnake Plantain

Summary

Goodyera pubescens, commonly called Downy rattlesnake plantain, is an evergreen orchid native to eastern North America that forms basal rosettes of bluish-green leaves with prominent white veins and a central white stripe, and a downy flowering stalk rising to 10–40 cm bearing a dense spike of 10–57 small white flowers, for cultivation it prefers part shade to full shade with moist, well-drained acidic soil rich in organic matter and benefits from mulch to maintain moisture, it spreads by rhizomes to form colonies and is hardy in zones 4–10, propagation is by division and nursery-propagated stock is preferred over wild collection, it is commonly grown in woodland gardens and terrariums, and pollinated by bees, including bumblebees and metallic green bees.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-18 inches

Spread

9-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Shade, tolerates Partial Sun, Full Shade possible though growth may be less vigorous.

Soil Type

Moist, humus-rich loam soil with slight acidity.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.5 (slightly acidic)

Bloom Color

White (white to greenish-white)

Bloom Time

Spring to Fall

Foliage Color

Green leaves with white veins, evergreen foliage

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees