rattlesnake plantain

noun

1. any of several low, terrestrial orchids, as Goodyera repens, of northern temperate regions, having a basal rosette of leaves with white veins and a one-sided spike of white flowers.

rattlesnake plantain

noun

1. any of various small temperate and tropical orchids of the genus Goodyera , having mottled or striped leaves and spikes of yellowish-white flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of rattlesnake plantain¹

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80

Example Sentences

The Rattlesnake Plantain has peculiar leaves veined with white.

From Project Gutenberg

The rattlesnake plantain is frequently met under the coniferous trees of our northern woods.

From Project Gutenberg