Sceptridium dissectum

Sceptridium dissectum cut-leaved grape fern

Synonyms: Botrychium dissectum
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This small fern is evergreen and has one sterile and one fertile leaf. The sterile blade varies and can be highly dissected or lobed. The spore cases on the fertile blade resemble clusters of grapes, thus the common name.

Habitat & Range

Forest edges, fields, meadows.

The distribution range is from the midwest to the east coast.

Wetland codes

EMP:	FAC
NCNE:	FAC

Phenology

Sori start to form in late August - early September and die off by end of October.

Characteristics

Sterile blade up to 12 in long and equally wide on a stalk from 1-7 in. Triangular appears to be divided into 3 sections because basal pinnae are much enlarged. Leathery, coarse, fleshy, and often parallel or almost parallel to the soil.

Pinnae trowel-shaped, often divided into pinnules with toothed, serrated, or lacy-cut edges and pointed tips, are very variable, from lobed to highly dissected. Also variable in color, green to dark blue-green, turning bronze in winter or when in full sun.

Fertile blade overtops sterile blade, with branched clusters of sporangia. Sporangia start out green and become golden yellow. Withers soon after spores are released.

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