Family: Orchidaceae
giant rattlesnake-plantain, Menzies's giant rattlesnake-plantain, western rattlesnake-plantain
R.K. Kupfer
Etymology: Goodyera: for John Goodyer (1592-1664)
Plants: erect, perennial, 8"-20" tall forb; stems stout, single; from creeping rhizomes
Leaves: basal, oblong, 2"-4" long; clasping, usually with only the midrib white
Flowers: white to greenish, 6-parted, 1/3" - 1/2" wide, beak of lip half or more as long as the body of flower;
inflorescence a 1-sided, 8"-16" tall, spike-like cluster (raceme) in a dense to loose spiral of stalked flowers; blooms July-Sept.
Habitat: dry to moist; coniferous forests
Plants: erect, perennial, 8"-20" tall forb; stems stout, single; from creeping rhizomes
Leaves: basal, oblong, 2"-4" long; clasping, usually with only the midrib white
Flowers: white to greenish, 6-parted, 1/3" - 1/2" wide, beak of lip half or more as long as the body of flower;
inflorescence a 1-sided, 8"-16" tall, spike-like cluster (raceme) in a dense to loose spiral of stalked flowers; blooms July-Sept.Habitat: dry to moist; coniferous forests
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 8, Wetland Indicator = UPL WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos
Mark Larocque
R.K. Kupfer
Hugh H. Iltis
Botanical Illustration
Merel R. Black
R.K. Kupfer
