Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium virginianum)

Family: Ophioglossaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Botrychium virginianum is an evergreen Fern growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is in leaf all year. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

This large succulent fern is boiled and eaten in the Himalayas. The report does not say which part of the plant is used, though it is probably the root. — This large succulent fern is boiled and eaten in the Himalayas.; The report does not say which part of the plant is used, though it is probably the root.

Habitat & North American Range

Rich moist or dry woods. Common to abundant, especially in shaded forests and shrubby second growth, rare or absent in arid regions from sea level to 1500 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)