Goodyera oblongifolia
Raf. [Epipactis decipiens, G. menziesii]
Menzies Rattlesnake Plantain, Green Leaved Rattlesnake Plantain, Giant Rattlesnake
Plantain
Location |
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British
Columbia. |
Specific Habitat |
Main range is western North America, generally uncommon in Ontario, and
virtually unknown in the counties that front on southern Lake Huron, Lake
Erie, Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River, and Ottawa River. Locally abundant
on the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island near some shorelines. Can
be found in dry or moist cedar, pine, or mixed forests in deep shade with
minimal vegetative competition.
|
Flowering Season |
Late July to late August. |
Description |
Height 10 - 25 cm.
Leaves 3-7 in., a basal rosette, dark, shiny green, with a white rib down
the middle of the leaves.
Spikes are about 8 cm. Long and spiralled to one side.
Flowers are greenish-white, with hairy sepals on the outside.
|
Comments |
Archibald Menzies, surgeon-naturalist on Captain James CookÕs ship, 'Discovery'
which explored the west coast of North America, presumably was the first
European collector of this plant over 200 years ago.
The oblong leaves distinguish this plant from the slightly broader leaves
of the other members of this genus.
The tallest and latest blooming of this genus.
|
References |
Orchids of Ontario
The Orchids of Bruce & Grey
|
© Royal Botanical Gardens, Dr. Donald Gunn Image Collection.