Category: Ferns

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Appearance: Onoclea sensibilis is a fern known for its sensitive response to frost, causing the fronds to wither.

Fronds: The fronds are pinnately divided, and the fertile fronds have bead-like structures (sori) along the midrib.

Sori: Fertile fronds bear bead-like sori along the midrib.

Habitat: It is commonly found in moist woodlands and along stream banks.

Distribution: Sensitive fern is native to North America.

Occurrence
Along fern walk and in various locations of the back 40 woods.

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern) is a large and striking fern species belonging to the Onocleaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Appearance: Ostrich fern is a tall and imposing fern that can reach heights of 2 to 6 feet (60 to 180 centimeters). It has a distinctive vase-shaped growth habit.

Fronds: The fronds of Matteuccia struthiopteris are large and pinnately compound, meaning they are divided into leaflets along a central rachis (stalk). The fronds have a feather-like appearance, with each leaflet being lance-shaped and finely dissected.

Fiddleheads: One of the most recognizable features of ostrich fern is its fiddleheads, which are tightly coiled and emerge in the spring. These young, tender fronds unfurl into the larger, mature fronds.

Frond Color: The fronds are typically bright green, adding a lush and vibrant touch to the landscape.

Sori: On the undersides of the fronds, you can find small, brown, bead-like structures called sori. The sori are arranged in two rows on each side of the midrib of each leaflet.

Habitat: Ostrich fern is native to various regions of North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including moist woodlands, stream banks, and wet meadows. It prefers rich and consistently moist soils.

Distribution: The species is found in regions ranging from northern Canada to the northeastern and central parts of the United States.

Conservation: Ostrich fern is not considered a threatened species, and its striking appearance makes it a popular choice for ornamental plantings.

Other Species: Matteuccia struthiopteris is part of the Matteuccia genus, which includes other fern species with similar characteristics.

Ostrich fern is admired for its commanding presence and graceful fronds, making it a favored choice for shaded gardens, woodland landscapes, and even wetland areas. Its fiddleheads are considered a culinary delicacy in some regions and are harvested for culinary use when young and tender.

Occurrence
Multiple specimens found along fern walk and on the western side of the former pastured woods.

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Gymnocarpium dryopteris (Oak Fern) is a small and delicate fern species belonging to the Dryopteridaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Appearance: Oak fern has a low and spreading growth habit. The fronds arise from a central rhizome, forming a tufted cluster of foliage.

Fronds: The fronds of Gymnocarpium dryopteris are finely divided and pinnate, meaning they have leaflets (pinnae) arranged along a central rachis (stalk). Each leaflet is lance-shaped or oblong with a pointed tip and slightly toothed edges.

Frond Texture: The fronds have a delicate and lacy texture, adding to their ornamental appeal.

Frond Color: The fronds are typically bright green in color, creating an attractive contrast against the surrounding vegetation.

Sori: On the undersides of the fronds, you can find small clusters of spore-producing structures called sori. The sori are protected by small, round, indusia, which are located near the margins of the leaflets.

Habitat: Oak fern is native to various regions of North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including moist woodlands, shaded slopes, and rocky areas. It prefers cool and humid environments.

Distribution: The species is found in regions ranging from eastern Canada to the eastern and central parts of the United States.

Conservation: Oak fern is not considered a threatened species, and it can form dense colonies under favorable conditions.

Other Species: Gymnocarpium dryopteris is part of the Gymnocarpium genus, which includes other fern species with similar characteristics.

Oak fern is valued for its delicate and lacy fronds, making it a charming addition to shaded gardens and naturalistic landscapes. Its ability to form dense colonies in suitable habitats adds to its appeal as a groundcover fern in woodland settings.

Occurrence
Multiple specimens found along fern walk

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Size and Growth: Goldie’s wood fern is a sizable fern that can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters). It has a robust growth habit, and the fronds arise from a central crown.

Fronds: The fronds of Dryopteris goldiana are pinnately compound, meaning they are divided into leaflets along a central rachis (stalk). The fronds are bipinnate, with each primary leaflet (pinna) further divided into smaller secondary leaflets (pinnules). This gives the fronds a highly dissected and intricate appearance.

Frond Shape: The fronds are broadly triangular in overall shape, with the primary leaflets being broad at the base and tapering to pointed tips. The pinnules are elongated and have a lance-shaped form.

Frond Texture: The fronds have a coarse and leathery texture, distinguishing them from some other fern species with more delicate fronds.

Frond Color: The fronds have a dark green color on the upper surface and a paler green color on the undersides.

Sori: On the undersides of the fronds, you can find small clusters of spore-producing structures called sori. These sori are arranged in two rows on each side of the midrib of each pinnule. The sori are protected by thin, kidney-shaped indusia.

Habitat: Goldie’s wood fern is native to eastern North America and can be found in rich, moist woodlands, often growing in association with other large ferns and shade-loving plants.

Distribution: The species is found in regions ranging from eastern Canada to the eastern United States.

Conservation: Goldie’s wood fern is not considered a threatened species, but it may be sensitive to disturbances in its natural habitat.

Other Species: Dryopteris goldiana is part of the Dryopteris genus, which includes other fern species with diverse characteristics.

Goldie’s Wood Fern is admired for its impressive size and intricate frond structure. The bipinnate fronds, with their deeply divided leaflets, create a visually striking display in the woodland landscape. Its robust growth habit and coarse texture make it a significant fern to encounter in natural settings.

Occurrence
Multiple specimens found along fern walk

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Dryopteris fragrans (Fragrant Wood Fern) is a medium-sized fern species belonging to the Dryopteridaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Size and Growth: Fragrant wood fern typically grows to heights of 1.5 to 3 feet (45 to 90 centimeters). It has an upright growth habit, and the fronds arise from a central crown.

Fronds: The fronds of Dryopteris fragrans are pinnately compound, meaning they are divided into leaflets along a central rachis (stalk). The leaflets have a lance-shaped form with slightly toothed (crenate) edges and a deep green color.

Texture: The fronds have a soft and delicate texture, with the slight toothed margins adding to their visual appeal.

Fragrance: One of the distinctive features of Fragrant Wood Fern is the pleasant, spicy fragrance emitted by the fronds when crushed or bruised, giving it its common name.

Habitat: Fragrant wood fern is native to various regions around the world and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, and shaded slopes. It prefers moist, well-drained soils.

Distribution: The species is found in regions ranging from Europe and Asia to eastern North America.

Conservation: Fragrant wood fern is not considered a threatened species, and it is relatively common in its native range.

Other Species: Dryopteris fragrans is part of the Dryopteris genus, which includes other fern species with diverse characteristics.

Fragrant Wood Fern is valued not only for its appearance but also for the pleasant fragrance it emits when the fronds are crushed. This unique characteristic adds to its appeal, making it an interesting choice for woodland gardens and naturalistic landscapes. Its soft texture and lush green foliage contribute to its overall charm in shaded areas.

Occurrence
Found in the outcropping on the fern walk

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Dryopteris cristata (Crested Wood Fern) is a medium-sized fern species belonging to the Dryopteridaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Size and Growth: Crested wood fern typically grows to heights of 1.5 to 3 feet (45 to 90 centimeters). It has an upright growth habit, and the fronds arise from a central crown.

Fronds: The fronds of Dryopteris cristata are pinnately compound, meaning they are divided into leaflets along a central rachis (stalk). The leaflets have a lance-shaped form with finely toothed edges, often creating a wavy or crested appearance along the margins.

Texture: The fronds have a soft and delicate texture, with the crested leaflet margins adding to their distinctive visual appeal.

Habitat: Crested wood fern is native to various regions around the world and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, and shaded slopes. It prefers moist, well-drained soils.

Distribution: The species is found in regions ranging from Europe and Asia to eastern North America.

Conservation: Crested wood fern is not considered a threatened species, and it is relatively common in its native range.

Other Species: Dryopteris cristata is part of the Dryopteris genus, which includes other fern species with diverse characteristics.

Crested wood fern is appreciated for its unique appearance, particularly the wavy or crested margins of its leaflets, making it an attractive choice for woodland gardens and naturalistic landscapes. Its soft texture and lush green foliage enhance the aesthetics of shaded areas.

Occurrence
Found along the fern walk and in a few other scattered locations in the wooded areas.

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Dryopteris carthusiana (Spinulose Wood Fern) is a medium-sized fern species belonging to the Dryopteridaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Size and Growth: Spinulose wood fern typically grows to heights of 1.5 to 3 feet (45 to 90 centimeters). It has an upright growth habit, and the fronds arise from a central crown.

Fronds: The fronds of Dryopteris carthusiana are pinnately compound, meaning they are divided into leaflets along a central rachis (stalk). The leaflets have a lance-shaped form with finely toothed (spinulose) edges and a dark green color.

Texture: The fronds have a soft and delicate texture, with the finely toothed leaflets adding to their visual appeal.

Habitat: Spinulose wood fern is native to various regions around the world and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, and shaded slopes. It prefers moist, well-drained soils.

Distribution: The species is found in regions ranging from Europe and Asia to eastern North America.

Conservation: Spinulose wood fern is not considered a threatened species, and it is relatively common in its native range.

Other Species: Dryopteris carthusiana is part of the Dryopteris genus, which includes other fern species with diverse characteristics.

Spinulose wood fern is admired for its delicate appearance, and it is a favored choice for woodland gardens and naturalistic landscapes. Its soft texture and lush green foliage make it a visually appealing addition to shaded areas.

Occurrence
Widespread and along the fern walk – however, the examples here need to be keyed out to further determine the exact species.

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Diplazium pycnocarpon (Smooth Spleenwort) is a species of fern belonging to the Athyriaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Size and Growth: Smooth Spleenwort is a medium-sized fern that typically grows to heights of 1.5 to 3 feet (45 to 90 centimeters). It has an upright growth habit, and the fronds arise from a central crown.

Fronds: The pinnae are smooth rather than toothed, making it easy to distinguish from other ferns

Texture: The fronds have a relatively smooth texture compared to some other fern species.

Habitat: Smooth Spleenwort is native to eastern North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including moist woodlands, shaded slopes, and rocky areas. It is often found in glades and open spaces within forests.

Distribution: The species is found in regions ranging from eastern Canada to the eastern United States.

Conservation: Smooth Spleenwort is not considered a threatened species, and it is a relatively common fern in its native range.

Other Species: Christmas fern has a share the range with smooth spleenwort an is the only other fern that could be mistaken for it. However, Christmas Fern grows from a radial crown, whereas smooth spleenwort will make clumps and is taller.

Occurrence
Found along the fern walk and in large brush island

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Deparia acrostichoides (Silvery Glade Fern or Silvery Spleenwort) is a fern species belonging to the Athyriaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Size and Growth: Silvery glade fern is a medium-sized fern that typically grows to heights of 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 centimeters). It has a clumping growth habit with several fronds emerging from a single crown.

Fronds: The fronds of Deparia acrostichoides are pinnately compound, meaning they are divided into leaflets along a central rachis (stalk). The leaflets have a lance-shaped form with slightly serrated edges. They exhibit a silvery or bluish-green color on the undersides, which gives the fern its common names.

Texture: The silvery undersides of the fronds provide a beautiful contrast to the darker green upper surfaces, creating an attractive texture.

Habitat: Silvery glade fern is native to eastern North America and can be found in various habitats, including moist woodlands, shaded slopes, and rocky outcrops.

Distribution: The species is found in regions ranging from eastern Canada to the eastern United States.

Conservation: Silvery glade fern is not considered a threatened species, and it is a relatively common fern in its native range.

Other Species: Deparia acrostichoides is part of the Deparia genus, which includes several other fern species with diverse traits.

Silvery glade fern is valued for its striking appearance, with the silvery undersides of its fronds adding a touch of elegance to shaded landscapes. Its adaptability and attractive coloration make it a sought-after fern for shade gardens and naturalistic plantings.

Occurrence
A few individual specimens found along the fern walk

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Occurrence
Widespread naturally on the property – both the red stemmed and the plain are found.