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Western Rattlesnake Plantain

Goodyera oblongifolia

The Western Rattlesnake Plantain is a beautiful plant with shiny, dark green leaves that look like they have a snake's pattern! It grows in shady places and is often found in forests.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Western Rattlesnake Plantain has deep green leaves with prominent white or silvery veins that create a striking net-like pattern, resembling a reptile's skin. Its tall stalk bears small, greenish-white, bell-shaped flowers arranged in a distinct spiral.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyOrchidaceaeGenusGoodyera
Western Rattlesnake Plantain
spotted trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgeevergreen trait badge
Western Rattlesnake Plantain

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its leaves stay green all year round, even under a blanket of snow in cold climates!

The plant's distinctive leaf patterns inspired its name, not because snakes eat it!

This amazing plant is actually a type of orchid, related to some of the world's most exotic flowers!

Western Rattlesnake Plantain grows its tiny seeds in pods, and they are as light as dust for wind dispersal!

Special abilities

Ability

Rattlesnake Camouflage

Western Rattlesnake Plantain has patterned leaves that may mimic snake scales, possibly deterring plant-eating animals.

Ability

Fungi Friend

This plant forms a special partnership with soil fungi to absorb vital nutrients, especially in shady, poor soil.

Ability

Winter Green

It has evergreen leaves that stay vibrant all winter, letting it gather sunlight even when other plants are dormant.

Measurements & details

Height
10-40 cm
Spread
15-30 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Viereck's Sweat Bee

Lasioglossum vierecki

Visits its small flowers for nectar and pollen.

symbiotic with

Rhizoctonia Fungus

Rhizoctonia repens

Provides essential nutrients to the orchid's roots.

shelters

Douglas-fir

Pseudotsuga menziesii

Thrives in the cool shade provided by its canopy.

eaten by

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus

Its leaves might occasionally be browsed by deer.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not touch plants without asking an adult, as some may not be safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Western Rattlesnake Plantain?

10-40 cm

How wide does Western Rattlesnake Plantain spread?

15-30 cm

How big are the flowers on Western Rattlesnake Plantain?

0.5-1 cm

When does Western Rattlesnake Plantain bloom?

Summer

Is Western Rattlesnake Plantain edible?

No

Is Western Rattlesnake Plantain toxic?

None

What is Western Rattlesnake Plantain's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Western Rattlesnake Plantain pollinated?

Insect

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