About Goodyera oblongifolia Raf.
Goodyera oblongifolia Raf. is an orchid species commonly called western rattlesnake plantain and giant rattlesnake plantain. It is native to large parts of North America, especially the mountain regions of the western United States and Canada, ranging from Alaska down to northern Mexico. It also grows in the Great Lakes region, Maine, Quebec, and the Canadian Maritime Provinces. This species is most often found in mountain forests, where it typically grows in the conifer understory. This orchid grows a cluster of broad, lance-shaped to oval leaves low to the ground, with each leaf measuring between 4 and 9 centimeters long. The leaves are dark green, with a white-streaked midrib, and often have white net-like veining across the surface. The plant produces an upright inflorescence that can reach up to around 30 centimeters in height. The upper part of the inflorescence holds many white orchid flowers; these flowers may all face the same direction along the stalk, or may be arranged in a spiral around it. Its common name comes from the leaf markings, which resemble snakeskin, and the plant is recorded to have been used to treat snakebites.
