PLATE VIII
TERNATE GRAPE FERN
11. LITTLE GRAPE FERN
Botrychium simplex
Canada to Maryland, in moist woods and in fields. Two to four inches high, rarely a little taller.
Sterile portion.—Somewhat oblong, more or less lobed, occasionally 3-7 divided, usually short-stalked from near the middle of the plant, thick and fleshy.
Fertile portion.—Either simple or once or twice-pinnate, taller than the sterile portion.
This little plant is sufficiently rare to rejoice the heart of the fern hunter who is so fortunate as to stumble upon it by chance or to trace it to its chosen haunts.
It is generally considered an inhabitant of moist woods and meadows, though Mr. Pringle describes it as "abundantly scattered over Vermont, its habitat usually poor soil, especially knolls of hill pastures," and Mr. Dodge assigns it to "dry fields." It fruits in May or June.