Nova Scotia to Florida, in moist meadows. A few inches to more than a foot high.
Sterile portion.—Broadly triangular, the three main divisions cut again into many segments, on a separate stalk from near the base of the plant, fleshy.
Fertile portion.—Erect, usually considerably taller than non-fruiting segment, more than once-pinnate.
Sporangia of Botrychium
Of late some doubt has existed as to whether B. ternatum has been actually found in this country, although the standard Floras give no evidence of this uncertainty. Dr. Underwood is convinced that the true B. ternatum is found only in Japan and China, and that our species is really B. dissectum, a species, not a variety. He says that this species is very common in the vicinity of New York City, and thence southward and westward; that it is also found in various parts of New England; that it reaches its fullest development in moist, shady woods; that in mossy meadows of New England and Central New York the plant assumes a more contracted habit. He believes its segments are more apt to be divided in shady situations than in open, sunny ground.
The Ternate Grape Fern fruits in the fall.
Part of sterile portion of B. dissectum