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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 4–10Type Fern, Ground coverClimate Temperate
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — This deciduous perennial is characterized by its unique, lanceolate leaflets forming a feather-like appearance; its
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — and does not typically suffer from serious pest or disease issuesRattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — shaded environments with well-draining organic soilRattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — It is a relatively low-maintenance plantRattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — requiring minimal care once establishedRattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — Thriving in moist, shaded woodland areas, it prefers humus-rich soilRattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — Its brown, spore-bearing structures resemble a rattlesnake's tail, hence the name; hardy in zones 3-8, it's a+28

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

Type
Fern, Ground cover
Family
Ophioglossaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (35)

Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — This deciduous perennial is characterized by its unique, lanceolate leaflets forming a feather-like appearance; its
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — and does not typically suffer from serious pest or disease issues
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — shaded environments with well-draining organic soil
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — It is a relatively low-maintenance plant
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — requiring minimal care once established
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — Thriving in moist, shaded woodland areas, it prefers humus-rich soil
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — Its brown, spore-bearing structures resemble a rattlesnake's tail, hence the name; hardy in zones 3-8, it's a
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — consider its preference for cool
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — It's an excellent choice for adding texture to shade gardens
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — presents a unique addition to partial to full shade garden landscapes; the Rattlesnake Fern, Botrychium virginiana
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — or tripinnate green sterile frond which gracefully unfurls in the spring
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — presents a unique addition to partial to full shade garden landscapes
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — such as Hostas and Trilliums
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — This North American native perennial thrives in moist; presents a unique addition to partial to full shade garden
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — Thriving in moist, shaded woodland areas, it prefers humus-rich soil; consider its preference for cool
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — This North American native perennial thrives in moist
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — It's an excellent choice for adding texture to shade gardens; and does not typically suffer from serious pest or
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — scientifically known as Botrychium virginianum; it pairs well with other shade-loving perennials
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — The Rattlesnake Fern, Botrychium virginiana, typically grows 18-24 inches tall
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — fern / ground cover for shade
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — The central fertile frond rises above the sterile frond
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — Hardy in zones 3-8, it's a low-maintenance native fern; the Rattlesnake Fern reaches a modest height of 18 to 24
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — which stands out among its fern companions.<br><br>Typically
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — Its brown, spore-bearing structures resemble a rattlesnake's tail, hence the name
Photographs by 10 contributors

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