Organic Forest Plants & More

Downy Rattlesnake Plantain

Healing

Zones

: 3 - 9

Duration: Perennial

Growth Habit: Ground Cover - Forb/Herb

Mature Size: Height: 8 - 16" (.5 - 1.5') (with stalk).

Flowers: July - September

Fruit: N/A

Common alternate names for Downy Rattlesnake Plantain: adder's violet, net-leaf, spotted-plantain, rattlesnake leaf, rattlesnake-weed, scrofula weed.

Scientific name for Downy Rattlesnake Plantain:  Goodyera pubescens (Willd.) R. Br.

Planting Information: Prefers shade, partial sun. Low moisture plant. Grows in clay, loamy, or sandy soils.

Colors: Leaves: evergreen, dark green, white stripes, basil, conspicuous. Flowers: greenish white.

Edible - food uses of Downy Rattlesnake Plantain:  N/A

Healing medicinal qualities of Downy Rattlesnake Plantain:

The common name Downy Rattlesnake Plantain gives a clue to a major uses of this plant by Native Americans and early medical practitioners. This plant was especially valued for its efficacy.  Lore has it that late eighteenth century Indians would "for a trifling..." allow themselves to be bitten by a poisonous snake counting on this plant to prevent any harmful symptoms.

The leaves were made into a cold tea that remedied colds, sore throats, and earaches. A tea made from the plant was also used as a cure for toothache.

The sap or juice of rattlesnake plantain was used for eye problems.

Other uses for Downy Rattlesnake Plantain: N/A

Wildlife: N/A

General description and characteristics of Downy Rattlesnake Plantain:

A member of the orchid family. 

Evergreen, perennial.

It's natural habitat consists of dry to moist coniferous or deciduous forests.

White flowers grow in spike-like clusters.

This evergreen forb is very attractive throughout the winter.