Botrypus virginianus

(aka: Botrychium virginianum) We have had a love affair with the native rattlesnake fern, Botrypus virginianus, and over the decades have found them very easy to grow in the garden. Sadly, they are almost impossible to propagate, and subsequently are rarely commercialized, despite being native in virtually every continental state (apologies to Utah and New Mexico). A piece of property being developed near us had an extraordinarily large population that was scheduled for the development bulldozer, so we were allowed to rescue plants to share. These fascinating deciduous, solitary ferns emerge early spring with both fertile and sterile fronds arising together. They remain looking good through most of the summer before finally going dormant. Well-drained, moderate to average moisture soils work best.