Goodyera pubescens Orchidaceae Rattlesnake Plantain
This terrestrial herb is a close relative of the most glamorous of orchids and bears no resemblance to a reptile or the weed that is part of its common name. On the woodland floor you will come upon it as a flat cluster of durable, oval, deep-green leaves with gleaming-white veins that cross and recross in a delicate pattern. Perhaps you will find it in bloom with tiny whitish flowers on tall spikes.
CARE. Woodsy acid soil, with humus. Slightly damp. Cool. Shade. North side of a glacial ridge is ideal.
PROPAGATION. If possible, buy section of root from dealer who specializes in woodland plants and seeds. Pick sparingly in the woods, by breaking off section of rhizome with rootlets and plant. New plant will appear in about one month.
SPECIAL USES. Terrariums, woodland gardens.
Hepatica Ranunculaceae Liverleaf
Six-inch evergreen plants that shed their old leathery leaves for new after the blue-lavender (or pinkish-white) flowers fade and fall in May.
acutiloba—Sharp-lobed hepatica, distinguished by the points on the lobes of its leaves. (Needs alkaline soil.)
americana (triloba)—Round-leaved hepatica with dainty flowers on stems upholstered with silky hairs. Leaves maroon in winter
CARE. Not too acid soil. Full shade. Drainage. Not difficult to transplant but needs time to get established. Plants in the woods best dug in the fall.