How much sun does Bulbous Adderstongue need?

Bulbous Adderstongue grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Bulbous Adderstongue bloom?

Bulbous Adderstongue blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Bulbous Adderstongue native?

Bulbous Adderstongue (Ophioglossum crotalophoroides) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 8 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Bulbous Adderstongue HOA-friendly?

Bulbous Adderstongue takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Bulbous Adderstongue

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ophioglossum crotalophoroides

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Bulbous Adderstongue (Ophioglossum crotalophoroides) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

2"–8" H × 1"–4" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 8 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Cross Timbers Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Ozark Highlands Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Bulbous adderstongue is a tiny native fern that grows just 2-8 inches tall with a distinctive single leaf and spore-bearing stalk. This diminutive woodland species thrives in partial shade with moderate moisture and produces its reproductive structures from May through July.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bulbous Adderstongue takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Extremely small size makes it nearly invisible
May appear absent or dead much of the year
Looks more like a weed than intentional landscaping

Wildlife value

As a fern, this species does not attract pollinators but provides habitat for small invertebrates and adds to native ecosystem diversity.

Common questions

How much sun does Bulbous Adderstongue need?: Bulbous Adderstongue grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Bulbous Adderstongue bloom?: Bulbous Adderstongue blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Bulbous Adderstongue native?: Bulbous Adderstongue (Ophioglossum crotalophoroides) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 8 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Bulbous Adderstongue HOA-friendly?: Bulbous Adderstongue takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Bulbous Adderstongue? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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