western rattlesnake plantain
Goodyera oblongifolia
USDA zones3 to 9
SunNeeds partial sun (4 to 6 hours)
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size8 to 16 inches tall4 to 8 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
Notes
Western rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera oblongifolia) is a perennial. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes part sun and dry soil. It is a terrestrial orchid that spreads into small colonies of evergreen leaves with white, netted veins. Small white flowers open on stems 6 to 10 inches tall in summer, and bumblebees visit them. Use a light, loose, gritty soil with chunky organic matter instead of heavy, rich soil with lots of compost.
Pairs well with New York fern, Appalachian sedge, and Blue Spruce sedum.
Native range
AK, AZ, CA, CO, and 15 more places. See all 19
AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, ME, MI, MT, NE, NM, OR, SD, UT, WA, WI, WY; BC, NB, NL, and NS.