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Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Ophioglossum pusillum

Ophioglossum pusillum Raf.

Northern Adder's-tongue

Ophioglossaceae (Adder's-Tongue Family)

Synonym(s): Ophioglossum vulgatum, Ophioglossum vulgatum var. alaskanum, Ophioglossum vulgatum var. pseudopodum

USDA Symbol: OPPU3

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

Historically, Adder's Tongue was used for healing wounds in the form of an ointment, known as "Green Oil of Charity". It was also used by artists as a green pigment. (Ferns of Grey & Bruce Counties)"

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb , Fern
Size Notes: Up to about 10 inches tall.

Bloom Information

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

Distribution

USA: AK , CA , CT , DC , DE , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OR , PA , RI , SD , VA , VT , WA , WI , WV
Canada: BC , MB , NB , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Habitat: Savanna, Prairie/Meadow/Field, Lakeshores.

Growing Conditions

Soil Moisture: Moist , Wet

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:AGCPAKAWCBEMPGPHIMWNCNEWMVE
Status: FACW FACW FACW FACW FACW FACW FACW FACW
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.

Web Reference

Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) Calflora
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 Ophioglossum pusillum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Ophioglossum pusillum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ophioglossum pusillum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-06-07
Research By: TWC Staff

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