Alternate name: Green-leaf Rattlesnake Plantain

Family: Orchidaceae, Orchid view all from this family

Description A cylindrical cluster of small, pale, greenish to white flowers tops a leafless stalk that rises from a rosette of dark leaves; each leaf usually has one main white vein.
Flowers: 1/4" (6 mm) long; upper sepal and 2 united petals form a hood over cupped lip petal; side sepals ovate, concave; sepals and petals colored alike.
Leaves: 1-3 1/2" (2.5-9 cm) long, ovate to oblong; short, scale-like bracts present on stalk.
Height: to 18" (45 cm).

Flower May-September.

Habitat Dry, mossy, or damp forests.

Range Alaska east to Nova Scotia and south to Mexico.

Discussion The common name of this unusual plant refers to its mottled leaves, which resemble a snake's skin.