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cutleaf grapefern

Scientific Name: Botrychium dissectum

Family: Ophioglossaceae

Category: Fern

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: NY (cut-leaf grape fern)

       

Cutleaf Grapefern (Botrychium dissectum)

The Cutleaf Grapefern, scientifically known as Botrychium dissectum, is a fascinating perennial fern often found in gardens. It's known for its distinctive sterile leaf.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant grows from fleshy, mycorrhizal roots.
  • The Cutleaf Grapefern plant has only a single frond.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant grows from fleshy, mycorrhizal roots.
  • The Cutleaf Grapefern plant has only a single frond.

Common Names

  • Cutleaf grapefern
  • Dissected grapefern
  • Cut-leaf grape fern
  • Lace-frond Grapefern
  • Cutleaf moonwort
  • Lanceleaf grapefern
  • Lanceleaf moonwort
  • Triangle grapefern

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Botrychium dissectum Spreng.
  • Family: Ophioglossaceae (Adder's-Tongue Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms:
    • Botrychium dissectum var. obliquum
    • Botrychium dissectum var.
    • Botrychium obliquum var. elongatum Gilbert & Haberer
    • Sceptridium dissectum

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • This perennial fern consists of a single sterile leaf and a single fertile leaf.
  • Plants appear in late summer to early fall.
  • Fern 10-30 cm tall, from fleshy, mycorrhizal roots, appears colonial.
  • Leaf solitary, arising from lower part of fertile stem, roughly triangular.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in locations such as Prince George's Co., Maryland; Cecil County, MD; Indiana; Alabama; Arkansas.
  • Grows hidden among late October’s fresh fallen leaves of eastern cottonwood, pin oak, red maple, and silver.

Ecological Role

  • It closely resembles other Grape Ferns and is considered a tough fern to properly identify.

Quirky Facts

  • Cut-Leaf Grape Ferns are a sure sign that autumn is not too far off.
  • One source mentions wishing botanists could "get their act together" regarding the plant's naming, highlighting the variability and potential confusion surrounding its identification.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden
  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • University and Jepson Herbaria
  • Discover Life
  • PLANTS Profile for Botrychium dissectum | USDA PLANTS