Goodyera pubescens (Downy Rattlesnake Plantain)
| Also known as: | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Goodyera |
| Family: | Orchidaceae (Orchid) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | native |
| Habitat: | part shade, shade; dry to average moisture, oak-birch-aspen or pine forests |
| Bloom season: | July - September |
| Plant height: | 9 to 14 inches |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | GP: none MW: FAC NCNE: FACU |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
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Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/goodyera-pubescens-8.jpg)
A dense, cylindrical spike-like raceme of 28-52 tiny, densely pubescent (hairy) pearly white flowers. Individual flowers are about ¼ inch long, the lower lip is globular with a lip at the end of the sack. Lateral petals are white; sepals have a greenish surface.
Leaves and stem:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/goodyera-pubescens-19.jpg)
Leaves are evergreen and mostly basal, dark green with fine silvery white reticulation and a thick stripe along each side of the midrib, oval to egg-shaped with a dull point, 1½ to 3½ inches long. There are also several scale-like leaves alternately attached on the densely pubescent (hairy) stem.
Fruit:
![[photo of fruit]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/goodyera-pubescens-13.jpg)
Fruit is a drooping to ascending capsule about 1/3 inch long. The seed heads may persist to the following season.
Notes:
A close up of this flower, it appears to be perpetually in song. I can hear its singing when I step into its garden. Of Minnesota's three Goodyera species, this has the most southeasterly range both in Minnesota and nationally, and it overlaps the other species' ranges in Cass and Aitkin Counties. It is the largest of the Rattlesnake Plantains in MN but is most easily distinguished by the fine white veining on the leaves and broad stripe along the midrib. The other 2 species have thick veining and/or no center stripe.
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More photos
Downy Rattlesnake Plantain plant
more flowers
more plantsPhotos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk, taken along Hwy 64 in Hubbard County
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2010-09-20 10:53:49
There is a small but vigorous population in a paper birch and red maple stand near the picnic pavilion.
on: 2012-08-21 12:26:02
Nerstrand Big Woods state park.
on: 2013-06-08 18:47:13
I found a small cluster of plants on the NW end of the lake.
on: 2014-07-15 03:50:38
Found on steep, north-facing slopes in Falls Creek SNA
on: 2016-07-17 16:03:47
Found a patch on the flats below the long line, just north of the path/road. No flowers.
on: 2018-06-24 22:25:32
I find this frequently throughout Paul Bunyan State Forest in Hubbard County. Generally it seems to grow in areas with little else in the way of undergrowth.
on: 2018-09-30 14:25:58
Found two plants today in Sherburne county :) Within planted White Pines about 60yrs old. In Sand Dunes SF.
on: 2019-09-29 13:04:46
Between campsites on a trail near the restrooms.
on: 2021-07-11 16:03:32
I found the leaves last November growing in a stand of oak trees. Checked on them over the Fourth and saw that it was progressing but not fully in bloom yet. Looking forward to seeing it.
on: 2021-07-28 15:57:06
Found a population of 60 to 100 rosette along a hunter walking trail north of Island Lake. Specimen collected and will be accessioned at UMD Herbarium.
on: 2022-06-13 13:43:24
I have 2 rosettes of this growing in the red pine woods to the north side of our house. For years I assumed it was some kind of crazy hardy fittonia like plant, until I posted a picture on snapchat and was given the link to this page. I'm amazed it's a native orchid, as it's never bloomed and has never really grown in the 8 years I've been amazed by the little veined plant in the woods hahaha. Could I move it somewhere it'll get better care? Or what can I do to encourage it to thrive in its current spot?
on: 2022-06-13 14:28:09
Lindsay, if it is on your own land you can do whatever you want, but in any case I would advise against moving it. Orchids can have pretty specific habitat requirements where fungal associations play a big part, so moving it could actually be fatal. They can also be pretty persnickety, not blooming every year. Perhaps it is still storing energy before it decides to put on a show. Patience. :)