Botrychium Virginianum
Nova Scotia to Florida, in rich woods. One or two feet high, at times much smaller, when it becomes B. gracile.
Sterile portion.—Usually broader than long, spreading, with three main divisions which are cut into many smaller segments, thin, set close to the stem about half way up.
Fertile portion.—Long-stalked, more than once-pinnate.
Rattlesnake Fern
On our rambles through the woods we are more likely to encounter the Rattlesnake Fern than any other member of the Botrychium group. It fruits in early summer, but the withered fertile portion may be found upon the plant much later in the year. Its frequent companions are the Spinulose Shield Fern, the Christmas Fern, the Silvery Spleenwort, and the Maidenhair.
10. TERNATE GRAPE FERN
Botrychium ternatum or dissectum