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Rattlesnake-Plantain

Goodyera pubescens. Orchis Family.

Scape.--Six to twelve inches high. Leaves.--From the root in a sort of flat rosette; conspicuously veined with white; thickish; evergreen. Flowers.--Small; greenish-white; crowded in a close spike. The flowers of the rattlesnake-plantain appear in late summer and are less conspicuous than the prettily tufted, white-veined leaves which may be found in the rich woods throughout the year. The plant has been reputed an infallible cure for hydrophobia and snake-bites. It is said that the Indians had such faith in its remedial virtues that they would allow a snake to drive its fangs into them for a small sum, if they had these leaves on hand to apply to the wound.