Other scientific names: Botrychium multifidum, Botrychium coulteri, Botrychium ternatum, Osmunda multifida French names:
Botryche à feuilles couchée Family: Adder's Tongue Family (Ophioglossaceae) Group: Grape Ferns Similar species: • Daisy Leaf Grape Fern (Botrychium matricariifolium) • Cut-leaved Grape Fern (Sceptridium dissectum) - Grape Ferns are difficult to tell apart. • Rattlesnake Fern (Botrypus virginianus) - has three leaves (fronds) with the fertile stalk sticking straight up from the junction. • Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) - larger, tougher; usually in more open areas.
Fronds: Evergreen, Thrice divided; Single leaf (frond); leathery. Height:
15-30 cm (6-12 in) Habitat: Forests, Fields and Open Areas Native/Non-native:
Native Status:
Not very common.
Notes:
This fern has many variable forms. Grape Ferns are difficult to tell apart. New fronds appear in July-August. The yellowed remains of last year's fronds are still present at this time.
Photographs:
25 photographs available, of which 8 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
The fertile frond sticks up well above the infertile frond.
The infertile frond.
Infertile frond.
Last year's yellowed frond can be seen lying on the ground. The two types of frond/stalk split off right at or near ground level.
Photos of herbarium specimens. This shows the whole plant, with one leaf (frond) attached, and the fertile stalk sticking straight up.
(Royal Botanical Gardens Herbarium,Burlington,Ontario).
Detail of a leaf.
(Royal Botanical Gardens Herbarium,Burlington,Ontario).
Detail of the fertile end.
(Royal Botanical Gardens Herbarium,Burlington,Ontario).
