rattlesnake fern
Botrychium virginianum
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall8 to 12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb , fern
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Not applicable
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Rattlesnake fern (Botrychium virginianum) is a fern for shade gardens, woodland settings, and borders. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and dry to moist, sandy or loamy soil. The fronds appear singly in early spring and last through summer, though the fertile portion withers quickly. Deer tend to browse other plants first. Birds are drawn to it.
Pairs well with Wood lily, Liverleaf, and Swamp azalea.
Native range
AK, AL, AR, AZ, and 57 more places. See all 61
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY; AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, ON, PE, QC, SK, and YT.