It is found from Florida to Nova Scotia, west to eastern Oklahoma, Minnesota and Ontario. Medicinal use of Downy Rattlesnake Plantain: A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of pleurisy and snakebites. This plant has no children Legal Status. Pollination often has a high rate of success, and many flowers produce mature fruits. R. Br. Downy rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubescens) is one of four species within the Goodyera genus.The rattlesnake plantains get their name from their broad, rounded leaves similar in shape to those of plantain, a common lawn weed. Medicinal Use: Native Americans used it to treat snakebites, burns and many other ailments. Common names are from state and federal lists. Historically, downy rattlesnake plantain was used in Native American medicine to make tea that eased complaints including pleurisy and snakebites. A tea made from the leaves is taken to improve the appetite, as a treatment for colds, kidney ailments, rheumatism and toothaches. Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera oblongifolia)By Charmaine Delmatier (2018) Rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera oblongifolia) is a terrestrial perennial monocot in the orchid family, Orchidaceae, rising from a fibrous rhizome.The genus, Goodyera, occurs worldwide, but is primarily in Southeast Asia.In the western hemisphere, there are 16 species and in North America, it narrows to only four. Fresh leaves and roots were applied to burns, rashes, bruises, ulcers and sores. Status Downy rattlesnake plantain is listed as endangered in Florida and exploitably vulnerable in New York. As is typical of orchids, the roots have a mycorrhizal relationship with fungi that assists the plant in the acquisition of moisture and nutrients, while the plant provides products of its photosynthesis to feed the fungus. Goodyera pubescens, the downy rattlesnake plantain, (also known as Peramium pubescens ) is one of the most common orchids native to eastern North America. Downy Rattlesnake Plantain is a plant of mesic to dry forests. – downy rattlesnake plantain Subordinate Taxa. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. Click on a place name to get a complete protected plant list for that location. Flowers are pollinated by bumblebees and other native bee species. Uses Downy rattlesnake plantain is useful for woodland wildflower plantings and as an indoor terrarium plant. Downy Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera pubescens)By Collin Koers.