Goodyera oblongifolia, commonly known as Western Rattlesnake Plantain, is a perennial herbaceous orchid native to the coniferous and mixed evergreen forests of North America’s western mountains, extending to parts of the Great Lakes region. It typically forms a rosette of broad, lance-shaped leaves with distinctive white netlike veining, resembling snakeskin, which contributes to its common name. The plant reaches up to 12 inches in height and produces an erect inflorescence bearing numerous small, white orchid flowers during the summer months. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite showy when observed up close due to their intricate patterns and structure.

Western Rattlesnake Plantain is valued for its ornamental foliage and its ability to thrive in the dappled shade of forest understories, making it a suitable choice for woodland gardens and shaded natural areas. It prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and requires minimal maintenance once established. While not commonly used in mainstream horticulture, it can be a unique addition to native plant collections and shade gardens. It is important to note that as an orchid, it has specific mycorrhizal associations that are essential for its growth, which can make cultivation outside of its natural setting challenging.CC BY-SA 4.0