Botrypus virginianus
Rattlesnake fern
(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · licence
Family: Ophioglossaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Botrypus virginianus (Rattlesnake fern) is a native California herb in the Ophioglossaceae family, recognized by Primitive fern family reaching its western range limit in northern California.
Rattlesnake fern is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges and Cascade Range in moist shaded valleys along small streams at elevations of 700 to 1,200 meters. Though not currently flowering in this dataset, it is a robust, deciduous herb with distinctive fern-like characteristics. Growing with herbaceous stems up to 20 centimeters wide, it features trophophore leaves with ultimate segments ranging from linear to ovate, with free and forked veins. Its leaves have margins that vary from entire to coarsely serrate or deeply lobed, with a long sporophore stalk that is 2 to 3 times pinnate. The plant's roots are smooth and range from yellow to brown, with a thickness of 2 millimeters near the base.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Primitive fern family reaching its western range limit in northern California
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist shaded valleys along small streams
Elevation: 700-1200 m
California counties: Siskiyou, Shasta
Outside California: throughout America, Europe, Asia
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
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 virginianus native to California?
Yes. Botrypus virginianus is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Botrypus virginianus grow?
Botrypus virginianus occurs in Siskiyou, Shasta, at elevations of 700-1200 m.
What plant family does Botrypus virginianus belong to?
Botrypus virginianus is in the Ophioglossaceae family, genus Botrypus.
Is Botrypus virginianus rare or endangered?
Botrypus virginianus carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Botrypus virginianus grow in?
Botrypus virginianus grows in Moist shaded valleys along small streams.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.