How much sun does Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain need?

Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain bloom?

Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain native?

Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera tesselata) is native to CT, MA, MD, ME and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain attract?

Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain draws bees and moths.

Is Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain HOA-friendly?

Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Goodyera tesselata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CT, MA, MD, ME and 10 more states

Pollinators

bees, moths

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Acadian Plains and Hills

Checkered rattlesnake plantain is a low-growing evergreen perennial with distinctive white-veined leaves arranged in a basal rosette. It produces small white flower spikes in summer and thrives in shaded woodland conditions with consistent moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Appears very wild and woodland-like
Too small and informal for typical landscaping
May look like an unintentional weed to neighbors

Wildlife value

The summer flowers attract bees and moths, providing nectar for pollinators during the mid-growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain need?: Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain bloom?: Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain native?: Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera tesselata) is native to CT, MA, MD, ME and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain attract?: Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain draws bees and moths.
Is Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain HOA-friendly?: Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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