Trophophore stalk 2 to 15 cm, 1--2.5 times length of trophophore rachis; blade green, finely rugulose and convex distally, 2--4-pinnate, to 15 × 26 cm, somewhat herbaceous. Pinnae to 9 pairs, usually approximate, horizontal to ascending, distance between 1st and 2d pinnae not or slightly more than between 2d and 3d pairs, divided to tip. Pinnules obliquely and angularly trowel-shaped to spatulate, margins usually denticulate, apex acute, venation pinnate. Sporophores 2-pinnate, 1--2 times length of trophophore. 2 n =90. Leaves green over winter, appearing in midspring. In open fields and secondary forests over wide range in vicinity of St. Lawrence Seaway; 200--1000 m; Ont., Que.; Mich., Minn., N.Y., Vt., Wis.

Blade convex and rugulose in life; ultimate segments angular, acute and more coarsely and irregularly toothed or cleft; otherwise much like no. 5 [Botrychium multifidum (S. G. Gmel) Rupr.]; 2n=90. Woods, moist pastures, and swampy places; N.H., Conn., and s. Que. to Wis. and Minn. Rare.

Gleason, Henry A. & Cronquist, Arthur J. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. lxxv + 910 pp.

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