Other common names:
Virginia Grape Fern Other scientific names: Botrypus viginianus, Osmunda virginiana French names:
Botryche de Virginie Family: Adder's Tongue Family (Ophioglossaceae) Similar species: • Grape Ferns - fertile stalk separates from main stem below leaves. • Oak Fern (Gymnocarpium dryopteris) - stalk much thinner; whole plant more delicate; lacks fertile stalk. • Robert's Fern (Gymnocarpium robertianum) - very similar to Rattlesnake Fern. • Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) - larger; lacks fertile stalk. Fronds: Thrice divided; Three main leaves (fronds). Height:
12-38 cm (5-15 in) Native/Non-native:
Native Status:
Common
Origin and Meaning of Names:
Scientific Name: virginianum: of Virginia Photographs:
101 photographs available, of which 11 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
Rattlesnake Fern is distinguished from the Grape Ferns by its single stem that holds both the three fronds as well as the fertile stalk.
It has three fronds arranged evenly around the stem. The fertile stalk sticks straight up from the center.
Fertile stalk unfurling (mid-May).
A plant without a fertile stalk.
Unfurling in the spring (early May).
Closeup of a young fertile stalk.
A more developed fertile stalk.
Closeup of part of a fully developed fertile stalk, showing unopened sori.
Herbarium specimen showing the full plant, including roots.
(Royal Botanical Gardens Herbarium, Burlington, Ontario)
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