Gary Fewless

Key to the Ferns

This group includes the genera Botrychium, Botrypus, and Sceptridium, all previously within the genus Botrychium. There are 13 species and some very challenging problems in distinguishing among species. Only Botrypus virginianum is both common and conspicuous in Wisconsin. Sceptridium multifidum and S. dissectum are fairly widespread and though they may be relatively large they are often overlooked because the blades are held low and roughly parallel to the ground. Botrychium matricariifolium is fairly common, but is extremely variable in size and shape. The remaining species are all small and/or rare. It is probably an understatement to say that some individuals will be difficult to place. Refer to the treatment of Botrychium in the Flora of North America for more thorough information.

11. Sterile blades wider than 10 cm, broadly triangular in shape. 12
11. Sterile blades less than 10 cm wide, elongate, clearly longer than wide except for B. lanceolatum, which is much narrower than 10 cm. 17

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