Pronounced (approximate): good-YEER-ah pew-BESS-enz
A basal rosette carries dark leaves with fine white netted veins. A broad pale stripe follows the leaf midrib.
Downy Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera pubescens): dense white orchid flower spike. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Orchidaceae
Life cycle Perennial wildflower
Blooms Summer
Height 6–20 inches
Habitat Dry to moist woods, often on mossy or leaf-covered ground
Other common names
Downy Rattlesnake Plantain
Bloom timing and height vary by region. Native status refers to North America; see the range notes below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Dry to moist woods, often on mossy or leaf-covered ground. Flowering season: summer.
Despite its name, this is an orchid. The evergreen patterned leaves can be more useful for identification than the small flowers.
A basal rosette carries dark leaves with fine white netted veins.
A broad pale stripe follows the leaf midrib. Small white orchid flowers crowd a softly hairy upright stalk.
Look in dry to moist woods, often on mossy or leaf-covered ground. Include a whole-plant view alongside closeups when studying this species.
7 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it.
Native to North America; distribution varies by region.
Documented in these U.S. states
AL, AR, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
State list includes reported native and introduced occurrence; it does not mean the plant is native in every listed state.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Downy Rattlesnake Plantain in the quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.