A rare wildflower on the Mendonoma Coast - meet the Rattlesnake Plantain

Roland Pesch found a small group of Rattlesnake Plantain, Goodyera oblongifolia. This wildflower is uncommon in our area. It gets it common name by the coloring of its leaves. Roland's photo, however, only shows the lovely blossoms.

You might look for this summer blooming wildflower along trails in dry forest floors. I have only seen this wildflower once. It was growing amidst huckleberries and manzanita on a neighbor's property. Unfortunately a Deer ate the entire plant and I haven't seen it bloom since.

This wildflower grows in greater abundance to our north. It is native to Oregon. Thanks to Roland for sharing his photograph with us here.

To see a very rare wildflower, here is the link: http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2011/10/gentian-blue-rare-wildflower-by-coastal.html