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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

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
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — The Rattlesnake Fern, Botrychium virginiana, typically grows 18-24 inches tall; it's an excellent choice for adding
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — Its common name alludes to the rattlesnake-like appearance of its fertile frond
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — It pairs well with other shade-loving perennials
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — often found under the canopy of deciduous woods where dappled sunlight prevails
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) — The plant features a characteristic triangular-shaped
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — indulging in the shared habitat
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — the Rattlesnake Fern reaches a modest height of 18 to 24 inches with a similar spread
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium Virginiana) — making it a suitable choice for ground cover or as a woodland understory plant
Photographs by 5 contributors

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