rattlesnake plantain
n 1: any of several small temperate and tropical orchids having
mottled or striped leaves and spikes of small yellowish-
white flowers in a twisted raceme [syn: rattlesnake
plantain}, helleborine]
Plantain \Plan"tain\, n. [F., fr. L. plantago. Cf. Plant.]
(Bot.)
Any plant of the genus Plantago, but especially the P.
major}, a low herb with broad spreading radical leaves, and
slender spikes of minute flowers. It is a native of Europe,
but now found near the abode of civilized man in nearly all
parts of the world.
Indian plantain. (Bot.) See under Indian.
Mud plantain, a homely North American aquatic plant
({Heteranthera reniformis}), having broad, reniform
leaves.
Rattlesnake plantain, an orchidaceous plant ({Goodyera
pubescens}), with the leaves blotched and spotted with
white.
Ribwort plantain. See Ribwort.
Robin's plantain, the Erigeron bellidifolium, a common
daisylike plant of North America.
Water plantain, a plant of the genus Alisma, having acrid
leaves, and formerly regarded as a specific against
hydrophobia. --Loudon.
Ground rattlesnake (Zo["o]l.), a small rattlesnake
({Caudisona, or Sistrurus, miliaria}) of the Southern
United States, having a small rattle. It has nine large
scales on its head.
Rattlesnake fern (Bot.), a common American fern
({Botrychium Virginianum}) having a triangular decompound
frond and a long-stalked panicle of spore cases rising
from the middle of the frond.
Rattlesnake grass (Bot.), a handsome American grass
({Glyceria Canadensis}) with an ample panicle of rather
large ovate spikelets, each one composed of imbricated
parts and slightly resembling the rattle of the
rattlesnake. Sometimes called quaking grass.
Rattlesnake plantain (Bot.), See under Plantain.
Rattlesnake root (Bot.), a name given to certain American
species of the composite genus Prenanthes ({P. alba} and
P. serpentaria), formerly asserted to cure the bite of
the rattlesnake. Calling also lion's foot, gall of the
earth}, and white lettuce.
Rattlesnake's master (Bot.)
(a) A species of Agave ({Agave Virginica}) growing in the
Southern United States.
(b) An umbelliferous plant ({Eryngium yucc[ae]folium}) with
large bristly-fringed linear leaves.
(c) A composite plant, the blazing star ({Liatris
squarrosa}).
Rattlesnake weed (Bot.), a plant of the composite genus
Hieracium ({H. venosum}); -- probably so named from its
spotted leaves. See also Snakeroot.
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