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Smith, R.W.

Botrychium virginianum

Botrychium virginianum (L.) Sw.

Rattlesnake Fern

Ophioglossaceae (Adder's-Tongue Family)

Synonym(s): Botrychium virginianum ssp. europaeum, Botrychium virginianum var. europaeum, Botrypus virginianus

USDA Symbol: BOVI

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)

Reaching a height of 3 ft., this fern is unique in that its fertile portion is really a continuation of the main stem and rises from between the lower-most pinnae. The fronds, which occur singly, appear early in the spring and last through summer, though the fertile portion withers quickly. The sterile portion is twice-pinnate.

From the Image Gallery

8 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb , Fern
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Leaf: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Notes: Non-flowering, sporulating plant. Sporulates Sep - Nov.

Distribution

USA: AK , AL , AR , AZ , CA , CO , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , ID , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NV , NY , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , VA , VT , WA , WI , WV , WY
Canada: AB , BC , MB , NB , NL , NS , NT , ON , PE , QC , SK , YT
Native Distribution: Circumboreal.
Native Habitat: Moist, rich, deciduous woods.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Deep, humus-rich soil.
Conditions Comments: Requires more care than other ferns. Must have proper soil, water, and protection from insects and winds.

Propagation

Description: Propagate by spores.
Commercially Avail: yes

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:	FACU	FACU	FAC		FACU	FACU		FACU	FACU	FAC

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Pineywoods Native Plant Center - Nacogdoches, TX
Natural Biodiversity - Johnstown, PA
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE

Herbarium Specimen(s)

NPSOT 0652 Collected Jun 6, 1992 in Medina County by Harry Cliffe

1 specimen(s) available in the Digital Herbarium

Web Reference

Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Botrychium virginianum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Botrychium virginianum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Botrychium virginianum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2022-12-16
Research By: TWC Staff

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