Botrypus virginianus (L.) Michx.

Rattlesnake Fern; Virginia Grape Fern

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Rattlesnake Fern is a native perennial deciduous herb in the Adder's-Tongue family (Ophioglossaceae). It can be found throughout Alabama. Rattlesnake Fern occurs in mesic woodlands, along streams, and in hardwood ravines. It is a perennial with a short vertical rhizome and coarse horizontal roots. The aboveground portion of the plant consists of a stalk with a sterile (trophophore) and fertile (sporophore) portion. The sterile leaf is sessile with a triangular blade. The blade is 3-4 pinnate, thin in texture, and bright green in color. The pinnules are lanceolate, deeply lobed, glabrous, and with serrate margins. Rattlesnake Fern reproduces by forming spores. The spores are in grape-shaped clusters on a common stalk with the leaf. The junction of the fertile stalk and the vegetative leaf is well above the soil surface. The common name “Rattlesnake Fern” is possibly derived from the resemblance of these clusters to rattlesnake rattles. Other sources indicate the common name is in reference to the habitat where these plants grow often also being ideal sites for rattlesnakes. Rattlesnake Fern is sometimes cultivated in woodland gardens. It prefers moist, organic rich soil in full shade. It is difficult to transplant and grow successfully. This species was once included in the genus Botrychium, and many sources still list it as Botrychium virginianum (Linnaeus) Swartz—A. Diamond.

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Native FACU (NWPL)

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