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Botrypus spp.
rattlesnake fern
Native to North America
Overview
Botrypus spp. is a small genus of ferns in the family Ophioglossaceae, often treated within Botrychium spp., and is represented most widely by B. virginianus, the rattlesnake fern. The genus is distributed across temperate North America, Europe, and Asia in moist deciduous woodland and shaded slopes. Each plant produces a single frond per season from a short underground rhizome with fleshy roots. The frond divides into two parts: a broadly triangular, finely divided sterile blade held more or less horizontally 8 to 30 inches (20 to 75 cm) above the ground, and an erect fertile stalk bearing branched clusters of spherical sporangia that release spores in summer. The sterile blade is green and membranous, turning yellow before dying back in autumn. Plants grow slowly, taking several years to reach spore-bearing size, and depend on a symbiotic soil fungus during early development. Botrypus spp. occurs in rich, humus-laden soils with consistent moisture and deep shade, and transplants poorly because of its fungal association and brittle root system.
Native Range
Botrypus spp. occurs across temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. B. virginianus ranges widely through eastern and central North America and extends into Eurasia, growing in deciduous and mixed woodland.Suggested Uses
Grown in shaded native and woodland gardens, fern collections, and naturalistic plantings beneath deciduous trees. It is used in undisturbed, humus-rich ground rather than formal beds. Spacing of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) allows the horizontal fronds room to spread.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'6"
Width/Spread8" - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Botrypus spp. reproduces by spores rather than flowers. The fertile spike matures in summer, releasing spores from branched clusters of round sporangia over several weeks. No floral display is produced.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight