Family: Orchidaceae
Author: G.Lodd.
Bibliography: Bot. Cab. 10: t. 952 (1825)
Year: 1825
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Goodyera
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. Canada to NC. & NE. U.S.A.
Description
Checkered rattlesnake plantain, also known by its scientific name Goodyera tesselata, is a fascinating member of the Orchidaceae family. This terrestrial orchid is notable for its intricate and striking foliage, which is characterized by a network of white or pale-veined markings against a deeper green backdrop. These markings resemble a checkerboard or snake-like pattern, which contributes to its intriguing common name.
The species was first described in the botanical literature in 1825 by G. Loddiges in the publication Botanical Cabinet (Vol. 10, t. 952). Since then, Goodyera tesselata has been a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, particularly due to its distinctive leaf patterns and its adaptive habitat preferences.
Checkered rattlesnake plantain is indigenous to parts of North America, where it can be found across a range that includes Central and Eastern Canada down to North Carolina and the northeastern United States. The plant thrives in temperate forested areas, often favoring the shaded, moist environments provided by the underbrush in woodlands. It is typically found in pine-oak forests, mixed hardwoods, and occasionally in boggy areas.
The plant’s ground-hugging habit and rosette formation allow it to adapt well to forest floors, where it spreads via creeping rhizomes. This growth habit helps it to colonize new areas over time, though its original locations often display a strong preference for well-drained, acidic soils.
While primarily valued for its leaves, checkered rattlesnake plantain also produces small, spike-like inflorescences comprised of numerous tiny, white flowers that emerge in late summer. Although these blooms are less showy compared to other orchids, they are nonetheless an integral part of the plant’s charm and biological life cycle.
Conservation and habitat protection efforts are essential in maintaining the populations of Goodyera tesselata, especially as forested areas face ongoing threats from human activities and climate change. Gardeners and conservationists interested in cultivating this orchid should mimic its natural habitat conditions as closely as possible to encourage healthy growth and reproduction.
In summary, Goodyera tesselata, or checkered rattlesnake plantain, stands out not just for its botanical beauty but also for its ecological significance. Its presence in North American forests is a testament to the intricate web of life that comprises these ecosystems, and efforts to preserve such species are vital to maintaining biodiversity and natural heritage.
Common Names
Eng: checkered rattlesnake plantain, checkered rattlesnake-plantain, loddiges’ rattlesnake-plantain, tesselated rattlesnake-plantain
Fra: goodyérie panachée
En: Checkered rattlesnake plantain, Checkered Rattlesnake-Plantain, Loddiges’ rattlesnake-plantain, Tesselated rattlesnake-plantain
Fr: Goodyérie panachée
Synonyms
- Epipactis tesselata ((G.Lodd.) A.A.Eaton)
- Goodyera repens var. tesselata ((G.Lodd.) B.Boivin)
- Orchiodes tesselatum ((G.Lodd.) Kuntze)
Distribution
- Connecticut (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken May 10, 2021 by Émilie Morissette (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 10, 2018 by Simone (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 1, 2022 by Emmanuelle Desroches-Jacques (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2020 by Brandy Boyd (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 21, 2010 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2013 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 8, 2013 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 3, 2014 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 17, 2015 by EOL − Clayton D’Orsay (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Jul 21, 2010 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2010 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2013 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2840792)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:112587-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Goodyera tesselata Lodd.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb