Adder's-tongues & Moonworts
What are they?
Most people have an impression of ferns as graceful plants with arching fronds, delicately cut into fine segments. But ferns and their allies are surprisingly variable and this group comprises a small collection of very small plants that are unfern-like in the traditional sense and are difficult to find due to their size. The adder's-tongues and moonworts die down each winter, but in spring they send up a leafy structure that consists of two parts - a sterile leaf and a fertile leaf. The latter is a peculiar, unleaf-like structure that carries the spores.
Where are they found?
These are plants of open, grassy places, but they require good quality, undisturbed habitats and are generally only found in places such as ancient hay meadows and suitably-managed churchyards or grassy woodland rides.
Identification
We have only two species in this family in our region and they are readily told apart by their general appearance.
Common Adder's-tongue Ophioglossum vulgatum
Native. Thinly scattered across the region in a wide range of habitats, from damp grasslands and open fens to grassy woodland rides, dune slacks, churchyards and ancient meadows. Spore-bearing fronds may be found from late May to August. The above-ground, visible part of this plant consists of an oval-shaped, sterile leaf, from the base of which appears the elongate spike that is the fertile leaf that bears the spores. Some shoots consist only of simple, sterile leaves and these are easily passed over and not readily recognised as being an adder's-tongue. Plants may grow to around 25cm in height when among taller vegetation, but are often much less, typically 5-10cm in height.
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Moonwort Botrychium lunaria
Native. A rare plant of undisturbed, grassy places on light, chalky soil. Once more common, this species is now almost extinct in Norfolk, but survives better in several locations in Suffolk Breckland. Spore-bearing fronds typically found from June to August. A more elaborate plant than the adder's-tongues, with a strongly lobed sterile leaf and a branched, fertile leaf which carries the spores in small, grape-like structures.
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