: It has fleshy, horizontal roots and is heavily dependent on mycorrhizal fungi in the soil for survival. Habitat and Range
Botrychium virginianum , commonly known as the , is a deciduous perennial fern in the adders-tongue family ( Ophioglossaceae ). It is one of the most widespread ferns in North America and is unique for its single stalk that bears both a sterile leafy frond and a fertile spore-producing spike. Physical Characteristics botrychium virginianum
: A horizontal, triangular, lacy green leaf that is 3 to 4 times pinnately divided. : It has fleshy, horizontal roots and is
: It is found throughout North America (from Alaska to Florida), Central and South America, and across temperate Eurasia. It does not tolerate direct sunlight
: It thrives in rich, moist, deciduous woodlands and shaded thickets, often in nutrient-rich or acidic soils with plenty of decaying organic matter. It does not tolerate direct sunlight. Cultivation and Uses
: An upright spike that bears clusters of yellow sporangia (spore cases) resembling a "bunch of grapes" or a rattlesnake's rattle.
