Goodyera tesselata, commonly known as Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain, is a perennial herbaceous orchid native to the cool, moist, deciduous and mixed forests of eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, ranging from Manitoba to Newfoundland and from Maine to Maryland. It typically grows to a height of 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) with a similar width. The plant is characterized by its distinctive low basal leaves that are dark green with a striking pattern of white reticulated lines, resembling a checkerboard. During the flowering season, which occurs in late summer, it produces an upright inflorescence bearing small, showy white flowers that are attractive to pollinators.

Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain is valued for its ornamental foliage and its ability to thrive in the understory of woodland gardens. It is often used in shaded border plantings and naturalized areas. This orchid prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and requires partial to full shade. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it does not tolerate drought or direct sunlight. It is not known for significant disease or pest issues, but its habitat should be protected from disturbance to ensure its survival.CC BY-SA 4.0