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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Goodyera repens is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Humble bees. The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Satyrium repens. L.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

A cold infusion of the leaves has been used to improve the appetite and also in the treatment of colds and kidney problems[257]. A poultice of the wilted leaves has been used to 'draw out burns'[257]. The infusion can be held in the mouth as a treatment for toothache[257]. The root and the leaves have been used in the treatment of bladder problems[257]. The roots and the leaves have been used in the treatment of stomach problems and female disorders[257]. A poultice of the chewed leaves, and the swallowed juice, has been used in the treatment of snake bites[257]. The plant ooze has been used as drops to treat sore eyes[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a somewhat shady site and a well-drained compost of peat, leafmold and sand[1]. Does well in the woodland garden[42, 230]. Orchids are, in general, shallow-rooting plants of well-drained low-fertility soils. Their symbiotic relationship with a fungus in the soil allows them to obtain sufficient nutrients and be able to compete successfully with other plants. They are very sensitive to the addition of fertilizers or fungicides since these can harm the symbiotic fungus and thus kill the orchid[230].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - surface sow, preferably as soon as it is ripe, in the greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out. The seed of this species is extremely simple, it has a minute embryo surrounded by a single layer of protective cells. It contains very little food reserves and depends upon a symbiotic relationship with a species of soil-dwelling fungus. The fungal hyphae invade the seed and enter the cells of the embryo. The orchid soon begins to digest the fungal tissue and this acts as a food supply for the plant until it is able to obtain nutrients from decaying material in the soil[200]. It is best to use some of the soil that is growing around established plants in order to introduce the fungus, or to sow the seed around a plant of the same species and allow the seedlings to grow on until they are large enough to move.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russian Federation (Dagestan), Russian Federation (Altay), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation (Koryak) TROPICAL ASIA: Nepal NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Northwest Territories, Yukon, Québec, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia), United States (Alaska, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, West Virginia, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Colorado, Montana, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, New Mexico, Arizona) EUROPE: Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom, Norway, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Latvia, Russian Federation (Karelia, Komi, Leningradskaja oblast), Ukraine, Former Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, Spain, France

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Goodyera oblongifolia	Western Rattlesnake Plantain	Perennial	0.3	6-9		LM	SN	DM	1	1
Goodyera pubescens	Downy Rattlesnake Plantain	Perennial	0.4	6-10	M	LM	SN	DM	0	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Goodyera repens - (L.)R.Br.