Botrychium virginianum

Common Names

Rattlesnake Fern, Common Grape Fern

Summary

Rattlesnake fern, an Ophioglossaceae fern, features a single erect sterile frond and a fertile leaf arising from the base; the fertile leaf bears grape-like sporangia with spherical bright yellow capsules at leaf junctions, while the sterile frond is green and typically two- to three-pinnate. It grows to about 15–70 cm tall and occurs in shaded forests and moist woodlands across temperate Europe, Asia, and North America, extending into Central and parts of South America.

In cultivation, propagation is by spores, best surface-sown when ripe and kept moist, with division or transplanting usually unsuccessful; the plant relies on mycorrhizal associations and prefers partial to full shade with moist, rich, well-drained soils that are acidic to mildly alkaline. Hardiness zones 4–9; landscape uses include woodland, native, and shade gardens; deer rarely browse; edible roots are boiled in some regions such as the Himalayas; overall cultivation is challenging and plants can be difficult to establish.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-18 inches

Spread

8-10 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Acidic, humus-rich loamy soil that is moist and well-drained

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

5.5-8.5

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Does not bloom.

Foliage Color

Bright green, Green, Pale green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Spores, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts songbirds