Native orchid with painted leaves spotted in Durham's old-growth forest
iNaturalist: elquinlan
Native Plants
Downy rattlesnake plantain is one of the few native orchids you might actually stumble across on a shaded forest walk near Durham, and spotting it means the mature, undisturbed woodland it needs is still holding on.
Someone found and documented a downy rattlesnake plantain growing in Durham, NC. This small native orchid has striking white-veined leaves that look almost painted, and it only grows in older forests with healthy, undisturbed soil. Confirmed sightings like this one help scientists and land managers track where these plants are thriving.
Key Findings
1
Research-grade observation of Goodyera pubescens confirmed in Durham, NC
2
Observation logged to iNaturalist, contributing to the citizen-science species occurrence database
3
Species presence indicates mature woodland habitat with suitable mycorrhizal soil conditions in the Durham area
chevron_right
Technical Summary
A research-grade observation of downy rattlesnake plantain was recorded in Durham, NC, confirming the presence of this native woodland orchid in the area.
description
Abstract Preview
Original paper
downy rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubescens) observed in Durham, NC, US
Research-grade observation of downy rattlesnake plantain in Durham, NC, US.
Goodyera pubescens, the downy rattlesnake plantain, is one of the most common orchids native to eastern North America. It is found from Florida to Nova Scotia, west to eastern Oklahoma, Minnesota and Ontario.
