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Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain

Goodyera tesselata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera tesselata)
Photo: (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Checkered Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera tesselata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneAcadian 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.

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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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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