Botrychium virginianum: Rattlesnake Fern

Botrychium virginianum, the Rattlesnake Fern, is a unique, deciduous fern native to the Northern Hemisphere. It has a single, sterile, tripinnate, triangular frond (the "trophophore") that is bright green and lacy, and a separate, fertile, erect stalk (the "sporophore") that rises above it, bearing clusters of sporangia that resemble a rattlesnake's rattle. It grows from a fleshy, underground rhizome in rich woods.

Plant Profile

Rattlesnake Fern requires rich, moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil in deep shade. It is a denizen of mature, undisturbed forests. It is difficult to transplant and establish in cultivation due to its mycorrhizal dependencies. It is best appreciated in its natural habitat. If attempted, use native soil and leaf litter. A fascinating, primitive fern (eusporangiate) with a unique two-frond strategy.