Goodyera oblongifolia

Goodyera oblongifolia, the Giant Rattlesnake Orchis, is one of only two species in that genus to be found in the Pacific Northwest, and the other species, Goodyera repens, the Lesser Rattlesnake Orchis, is not found in Washington or Oregon.  The common name would suggest that the Giant Rattlesnake Orchis is a large plant, but it is not: the rosette of leaves is only 22 cm in diameter at most and is often smaller, and the flowers, though they come on a flower spike as long as 45 cm, are quite small and insignificant.  The species is very common and it is rare that we do not see it when hiking.  It has two forms, a plain-leaved form and a form with beautifully reticulated leaves, the flowers of both forms being identical.

April 14

(Fidalgo Island - both leaf forms)

May 31
(Blewett Pass)

June 23
(Columbia River Gorge)

July 25
(Whidbey Island)

August 13
(Olympic National Park)