Rattlesnake Fern

Botrychium Virginiana

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Overview

The Rattlesnake Fern, Botrychium virginiana, typically grows 18-24 inches tall. This deciduous perennial is characterized by its unique, lanceolate leaflets forming a feather-like appearance. Thriving in moist, shaded woodland areas, it prefers humus-rich soil. It's an excellent choice for adding texture to shade gardens. Its brown, spore-bearing structures resemble a rattlesnake's tail, hence the name. Hardy in zones 3-8, it's a low-maintenance native fern.

Sun ShadeWater Extra in Summer, HighZones 4–10Climate Temperate

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — The Rattlesnake Fern, Botrychium virginiana, typically grows 18-24 inches tall

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — This deciduous perennial is characterized by its unique, lanceolate leaflets forming a feather-like appearance

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — Its brown, spore-bearing structures resemble a rattlesnake's tail, hence the name

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — Thriving in moist, shaded woodland areas, it prefers humus-rich soil

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — It's an excellent choice for adding texture to shade gardens

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — scientifically known as Botrychium virginianum

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — Hardy in zones 3-8, it's a low-maintenance native fern

Culture

Sun: Shade
Water: Extra in Summer, High
USDA zones: 4–10

Shape & size

Mature height: 5–15 Inches
Mature width: 2–2.5 Ft.

Classification

Family: Ophioglossaceae
Climate: Temperate

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Photos (35)

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — The Rattlesnake Fern, Botrychium virginiana, typically grows 18-24 inches tall

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — This deciduous perennial is characterized by its unique, lanceolate leaflets forming a feather-like appearance

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — Its brown, spore-bearing structures resemble a rattlesnake's tail, hence the name

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — Thriving in moist, shaded woodland areas, it prefers humus-rich soil

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — It's an excellent choice for adding texture to shade gardens

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — scientifically known as Botrychium virginianum

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — Hardy in zones 3-8, it's a low-maintenance native fern

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — presents a unique addition to partial to full shade garden landscapes

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — This North American native perennial thrives in moist

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — often found under the canopy of deciduous woods where dappled sunlight prevails

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — which stands out among its fern companions.<br><br>Typically

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — the Rattlesnake Fern reaches a modest height of 18 to 24 inches with a similar spread

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — Its common name alludes to the rattlesnake-like appearance of its fertile frond

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — or tripinnate green sterile frond which gracefully unfurls in the spring

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — The plant features a characteristic triangular-shaped

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — making it a suitable choice for ground cover or as a woodland understory plant

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — shaded environments with well-draining organic soil

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — The central fertile frond rises above the sterile frond

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — consider its preference for cool

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — It pairs well with other shade-loving perennials

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — such as Hostas and Trilliums

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — indulging in the shared habitat

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — requiring minimal care once established

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — It is a relatively low-maintenance plant