Sceptridium dissectum is a common fern (or fern-ally) in the family Ophioglossaceae,[2] occurring in eastern North America.

It is a frequent denizen of disturbed lands, often growing with Diphasiastrum digitatum and Asplenium platyneuron.

The petiole or stalk of the plant is green from top to bottom and glabrous as is the sterile frond.

Sceptridium dissectum can be misidentified as Botrypus virginianus (L.) Sw. commonly known rattlesnake fern.

Sceptridium dissectum is also a close relative to the Southern Grapefern or Botrychium biternatum.

[7] These ferns are part of the Ophioglossales order and Ophioglossaceae, known as the Adder’s tongue family.

[10] Sceptridium dissectum ranges from Minnesota, south to northeastern Texas and across the east coast of the US.

[11][12] The habitats of the cutleaf grapefern are woodlands, sandy grasslands, the edge of swamps or ravines.

One of the favored habitats of these plants are woodlands of deciduous forests where the cutleaf grapefern received winter sun.

[13] Sceptridium dissectum is a homosporous fern which means it only produces one kind of spore.

[16] The cutleaf grapefern takes a long time to develop from its spores the fern is dependent on mycorrhizal fungi for survival.

The longer the spores remain in darkness the greater percentage of germination may occur[17] Spore germination and early gametophyte growth were also directly effected by oxidation level of the supplied nitrogen source.

Wild turkey and ruffed grouse feed on the leaves, as do white-tailed deer.