Lanceleaf grapefern
Botrychium lanceolatum · Ophioglossaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant lanceleaf grapefern: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Ophioglossaceae
- Type
- Herbaceous fern
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Temperate and boreal regions of Eurasia and North America
- Natural habitat
- Damp meadows, forest edges, shaded areas
Care
Light exposure
The lancewood grape fern prefers partial shade to full shade. Place it beneath tree cover or in an area protected from direct summer sun. Indirect light promotes growth and helps preserve soil moisture.
Soil type
This fern thrives in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Prepare a substrate made up of potting soil, peat, and decomposed leaf litter. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist without waterlogging. Water regularly during dry spells and spring growth. This fern enjoys humid environments, ideal in temperate regions with natural rainfall.
Fertilizing
No specific fertilizer is necessary. An annual application of well-decomposed compost or leaf litter in early spring is enough to enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients.
Maintenance and pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring, just before new growth begins. This fern requires no regular pruning. Gently clean up debris to prevent unnecessary moisture buildup.
Diseases and pests
The lancewood grape fern is generally very robust and rarely affected by serious pests or diseases. There is a risk of rot if there is excess moisture or poor drainage. Ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Did you know?
The lancewood grape fern has a unique structure among ferns: its fertile frond is distinctly different from the sterile frond, and its spores are produced in individual sporangia rather than grouped ones. Botanists consider Botrychium species to be living relics of primitive plant reproduction systems, making them true botanical fossils from the Devonian period.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- MoonwortBotrychium lunaria
- Adder's tongueOphioglossum vulgatum
- Botrypus virginianusBotrypus virginianus
- Leathery grapefernSceptridium multifidum
- Cut-leaved GrapefernSceptridium dissectum
- Least Adder's-tongueOphioglossum lusitanicum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.