29. Rattlesnake-plantain

Rattlesnake-plantain is always a treat to find when one is out for a walk in the woods.  The attractive variegated leaves vary a lot from plant to plant and I don't think any two clones we have on the property have the same leaf pattern.  Goodyera oblongifolia most often grows in shaded areas of our Douglas-fir forest that are dominated by the moss, Electrified Cat's Tail.  Several references I have read talk about First Nation's use of Rattlesnake-plantain as a children's toy - apparently rubbing the leave separates two layers and the leaf can be inflated like a balloon.  I have never tried this, partially because each plant only has a small number of leaves, and they always seem to rare and delicate to pick.  Despite the common name, this isn't a plaintain at all, it is actually a species of orchid.  

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