Adder's-tongue

Now is the time to see this diminuative plant of ancient meadows, before the late spring growth of grass and herbs completely hides it. It is actually a fern rather than a flowering plant; the tongue-like spike produces spores from the horizontal splits later in the season. In some years this particular colony produces quite a number of plants with a forked spike, something I've never seen anywhere else - none to be seen today, but I'll keep checking.