Goodyera oblongifolia aka Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake Plantain

Goodyera oblongifolia is an orchid. Its common name is western rattlesnake plantain. It belongs to Orchidaceae, the orchid family. This plant lives for years and grows from rhizomes, or underground stems. It reaches about 1 foot [0.3 metres]. It is native to parts of North America. Its range starts in southeastern Alaska. It runs through Canada and the United States into northeastern Mexico. Kew places it in the temperate climate zone. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

In the wild, it grows in deep layers of fallen leaves. The woods may hold just conifers, or a mix of trees. It grows in shade in both moist and dry woods. In eastern North America, it sometimes grows in cedar swamps. In the southern Rocky Mountains, it grows in high spruce-fir woods. Records place it as high as about 11,155 feet [3,400 metres]. These woodland sites help show its worth for shaded gardens.

Plants For A Future (PFAF) lists August as its bloom time. Each flower has both male and female organs. The sources give no facts on flower colour or fruit. They give no mature spread or full account of its leaves. Its small size suits a sheltered spot among trees. PFAF lists shade with patches of light as a garden site. It also lists shady edges of woods. Its growing notes favour some shade. Yet its summary also allows sun.

Grow it in soil that drains well. PFAF suggests a mix of peat, leaf mould and sand. Sandy soil and loam suit it. The soil can be mildly acid, neutral or mildly alkaline. It may be dry or moist. PFAF lists USDA zones 6–9. But it urges care with outdoor growing in Britain. There, it suggests a cool greenhouse or an outdoor site chosen with care. Raising plants from seed takes care. The tiny seeds hold little stored food. They need soil fungi to help them grow at first. Sow seeds on the soil surface in a greenhouse. Keep them moist.

PFAF records the use of a plant exudate as chewing gum. An exudate is matter that seeps from a plant. It also lists past uses for leaves and whole plants. These include leaf poultices, or dressings, for sores and cuts. Other records list tonic infusions and baths for stiff muscles. These reports do not prove that such uses help or are safe. PFAF lists no known hazards. This does not prove safety for people or pets. It lists no weed concern. It gives no specific pest or disease problems.