Goodyera

A distinctive and charming woodland plant. The dark blue green leaves, strongly marked with a white crosshatch pattern of veins, form a flat basal rosette. The plants spread slowly by rhizomes to form colonies of these rosettes, the overall effect of which can be quite striking. The small greenish white flowers, which appear in late summer, are densely packed along woolly stalks about 8-10" tall. The common name derives from the mottled leaves that resemble a snakeskin and from the plant's supposed use by the American Indians as a snakebite remedy. Prefers moist, well-drained, well-aerated soil with good organic content, and requires partial shade. Will tolerate considerable drought, once established. Relatively easy to transplant and cultivate, compared with other hardy terrestrial orchids. Also a popular terrarium subject.