Botrypus sp.
Rattlesnake fern, Rattlesnake Fern
(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · licence
Family: Ophioglossaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Botrypus sp. (Rattlesnake fern) is a non-native California perennial in the Ophioglossaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Conium: Botrypus has grape-like spore clusters on a separate spike; poison-hemlock has white flower umbels.; vs Ophioglossum: Botrypus has finely divided compound leaves; Ophioglossum has a single simple blade.; vs Sceptridium: Botrypus leaves are thin and papery, attach without a stalk; Sceptridium leaves are thick, leathery, stalked.; vs Botrychium: Feel the leaf - Botrypus is thin and papery, while Botrychium is firmer and smaller.
Frequently asked questions
Is Botrypus sp. native to California?
No. Botrypus sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Botrypus sp. belong to?
Botrypus sp. is in the Ophioglossaceae family, genus Botrypus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.