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Cutleaf Grapefern

Sceptridium dissectum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Cutleaf Grapefern (Sceptridium dissectum)
Photo: (c) aarongunnar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by aarongunnar

Toxicity unknown

Cutleaf Grapefern (Sceptridium dissectum) 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

6"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 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 437 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

Central Great PlainsEast Central Texas PlainsSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Cutleaf grapefern is a small, delicate native fern with finely divided, lacy foliage that grows in low clumps. This woodland species goes dormant in winter and emerges fresh each spring, thriving in partially shaded areas with consistent moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cutleaf Grapefern 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.

  • Completely disappears in winter leaving bare spots
  • Very small size may appear sparse or incomplete
  • Delicate appearance may look unkempt to conventional gardeners

Wildlife value

As a fern, it does not attract pollinators but provides habitat structure for small woodland creatures and adds to the native plant community that supports local ecosystems.

Common questions

How much sun does Cutleaf Grapefern need?
Cutleaf Grapefern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Cutleaf Grapefern native?
Cutleaf Grapefern (Sceptridium dissectum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Cutleaf Grapefern HOA-friendly?
Cutleaf Grapefern 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.

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

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