Spotted: a native orchid with snake-patterned leaves in the woods
iNaturalist: sherriequillen
Native Plants
The mottled, silvery-veined rosette hiding under the leaf litter on your next forest walk isn't a random weed, it's a native orchid that took years to establish a partnership with underground fungi before it ever bloomed.
Someone out in the woods spotted and photographed downy rattlesnake plantain, a low-growing native orchid named for the white snakeskin-like pattern on its dark green leaves. The sighting was verified by other naturalists as "research grade," meaning experts agree on the identification, which helps scientists track where this plant is thriving across the country.
Key Findings
Observation was verified as research-grade, meaning community experts confirmed the species identification.
Location recorded as within the United States, contributing to distribution data for this native orchid.
Species is recognizable by its evergreen basal rosette with white-veined, snakeskin-patterned leaves.
chevron_right Technical Summary
A citizen scientist documented a confirmed sighting of downy rattlesnake plantain, a native woodland orchid known for its snakeskin-patterned leaves, in the United States.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
downy rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubescens) observed in United States
Research-grade observation of downy rattlesnake plantain in United States.
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
Species Mentioned
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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.