How much sun does Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain need?

Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain bloom?

Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain native?

Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain (Goodyera oblongifolia) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain attract?

Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain draws bees and beetles.

Is Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain HOA-friendly?

Menzie's Giant 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.

Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Goodyera oblongifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain (Goodyera oblongifolia) 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 × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 445 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

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Madrean Archipelago

Menzie's giant rattlesnake-plantain is a distinctive native orchid with evergreen leaves featuring prominent white veining that creates an attractive pattern year-round. This low-growing woodland plant produces spikes of small white flowers in summer and thrives in shaded areas with consistent moisture. Its unique foliage makes it an excellent groundcover for naturalized shade gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Unfamiliar appearance may be mistaken for a weed
Very informal woodland look
Requires specific growing conditions that may appear unkempt

Wildlife value

The summer flowers attract native bees and beetles, providing nectar during the peak growing season. As a native orchid, it supports specialized pollinators and contributes to woodland ecosystem health.

Common questions

How much sun does Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain need?: Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain bloom?: Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain native?: Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain (Goodyera oblongifolia) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain attract?: Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain draws bees and beetles.
Is Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain HOA-friendly?: Menzie's Giant 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 Menzie's Giant Rattlesnake-plantain? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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