Rattlesnake Plantain | Native Plant Feature 01

 

Rattlesnake Plantain illustrations, watercolor, Laura Watson, 2025

Discovering the Beauty of Goodyera oblongifolia: The Western Rattlesnake Plantain

Goodyera oblongifolia, commonly known as the Western Rattlesnake Plantain, is a captivating native orchid found in the forests of British Columbia and beyond. This fascinating plant has inspired both my curiosity as a naturalist and my creativity as a botanical artist. In this article, I’ll share some intriguing facts about this orchid, its habitat, and my personal connection to it—all complemented by my watercolour illustrations.

A Closer Look at Goodyera oblongifolia

Despite its common name, the Western Rattlesnake Plantain isn’t related to plantains at all. Instead, it belongs to the orchid family, a detail that surprised me when I first learned about it. The "plantain" in its name refers to the resemblance between its patterned leaves and the introduced plantain weeds that many of us recognize in lawns and roadsides. Its scientific name honours the botanist John Goodyer, and "oblongifolia" describes its oblong-shaped leaves.

One of the most striking features of this orchid is its evergreen foliage. The leaves form a basal rosette with intricate white veining that resembles the scales of a rattlesnake, giving the plant its descriptive name. In summer, a slender stalk rises from this rosette, bearing tiny, creamy-white flowers that are faintly fragrant and delicate in form. These flowers are an important nectar source for native pollinators.

Goodyera oblongifolia thrives in the cool, shaded understory of forests. It’s often found in humus-rich soils, alongside mosses, ferns, and other native plants. Whether on Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, or the southern interior of British Columbia, this orchid adds subtle beauty to the forest floor.

Rattlesnake Plantain illustrations, watercolor, Laura Watson, 2025

My First Encounter with Rattlesnake Plantain

When I was eight, my family moved to the countryside, and our backyard became my playground. It was here that I first discovered rattlesnake plantain. In a mossy patch near a cluster of fawn lilies and shooting stars, the ornate leaves caught my eye. I remember crouching down, fascinated by the intricate patterns and wondering how such a small plant could be so detailed. My mom is an avid gardener and loves to identify plants and use plant identification guides such as Lone and Pines, Plants of Coastal British Columbia. So I grew up learning about native flora and fauna and started using plant ID books at an early age. This is how I learned that Rattlesnake Plantain is not a plantain at all, but instead a member of the orchid family. That moment marked the beginning of my love for native plants and wildflowers. Over time, I learned to recognize many of the plants growing in that forest, but rattlesnake plantain always stood out as one of my early favourites.

Rattlesnake Plantain illustrations, watercolor, Laura Watson, 2025

Bringing Goodyera oblongifolia to Life Through Art

This year I wanted to revisit Rattlesnake Plantain as a botanical artist. Capturing the delicate veining of its leaves and the soft hues of its flowers was both a challenge and a joy. Through my art, I aim to highlight the subtle beauty of this often-overlooked orchid and inspire others to look more closely at the natural world around them.

Each stroke of the brush reminded me of my childhood fascination with this plant and its role in sparking my passion for nature. The process of painting it deepened my appreciation for its intricate design and ecological importance.

Rattlesnake Plantain illustrations, watercolor, Laura Watson, 2025

Preserving and Protecting Native Orchids

As we admire the beauty of Goodyera oblongifolia, it’s important to remember its role in the ecosystem and the need to protect its habitat. Like many orchids, it has a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, which help its seeds germinate and provide nutrients. This delicate balance makes it vulnerable to habitat destruction and environmental changes.

If you’re exploring forests in British Columbia, keep an eye out for this small but striking orchid. Resist the temptation to pick or disturb it; instead, appreciate its beauty in its natural setting. By protecting native plants like Goodyera oblongifolia, we ensure they continue to thrive and that future generations will enjoy them.

Rattlesnake Plantain illustrations, watercolor, Laura Watson, 2025

Rattlesnake Plantain illustrations, watercolor, Laura Watson, 2025

Conclusion

Goodyera oblongifolia is more than just a plant to me—it’s a symbol of discovery, wonder, and creativity. From the mossy patch in my childhood backyard to the watercolour pages of my nature journal, this orchid has been a constant source of inspiration. I hope my watercolour illustrations and this story inspire you to look for beauty in small details, whether in art or nature.

Have you ever encountered a rattlesnake plantain or another native orchid in the wild? Share your experiences in the comments below or connect with me through my website to learn more about botanical art and the plants that inspire it.

View the video that accompanies this blog post here:

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Happy painting,

Laura 

Laura Watson
Botanical Artist & Instructor
Founder of The Watercolour Garden
www.thewatercolourgarden.com

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All illustrations in this article are my original watercolour paintings.