Goodyera pubescens aka Downy Rattlesnake Plantain

Goodyera pubescens is an evergreen perennial in the orchid family. Its common name is downy rattlesnake plantain. It grows wild in southeastern Canada and the eastern United States. Its range reaches west to Minnesota and Oklahoma, and south to Florida. It lives in woods, on bluffs, and along wooded slopes and ravines. Despite its name, it is not a true plantain.

Plants reach 1–2 feet (0.30–0.61 metres) tall when in bloom. They spread about 0.75–1 foot (0.23–0.30 metres) wide. Growth is slow, with leaves forming a rosette near the ground. Each rosette holds four to eight dark green or blue-green leaves. The oval leaves have smooth edges and reach 0.25 feet (0.08 metres) long. A broad white stripe runs down each leaf's centre. Fine white veins form a net across the blade. These marks recall snake skin and explain the common name. The leaves stay green through winter.

A green, leafless flower stalk rises from each rosette in summer. Dense hairs cover the upright stalk and its small flowers. The flowers range from white to greenish white. Each has a pouch-shaped lower lip beneath a hood. A raceme holds 20–50 flowers along one side of the stalk. Flowering runs from July to September. Bumblebees and some metallic green bees pollinate the blooms. Round to oval capsules follow, holding many seeds as fine as dust.

Grow this orchid in partial shade or deep shade. Light filtered through tree cover suits it best. Give it acidic soil rich in organic matter, with good drainage. It grows in sand, loam, or clay under suitable conditions. Keep the soil moist, and use mulch to limit drying. It also occurs in dry woods and can withstand drought. Sources place it in USDA zones 5–9. Roots work with fungi to gain water and nutrients. Plants spread through seeds and rhizomes.

Its patterned leaves suit woodland, native plant, and wildflower gardens. Sources report no major insect or disease problems. Deer may eat the leaves; mice and chipmunks eat the rhizomes. Buy nursery-grown plants rather than taking them from the wild. The species has threatened status in some states. PFAF lists no known food uses or hazards. Historical medicinal uses include treatments for colds, burns, and toothache. These records do not establish that such treatments work.