Category: Ferns

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort) is a small fern species belonging to the Aspleniaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Size and Growth: Maidenhair spleenwort is a petite fern, typically growing to heights of 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 centimeters). It has delicate and wiry fronds that arise from a compact rhizome.

Fronds: The fronds of Asplenium trichomanes are fan-shaped or lance-shaped and pinnately divided, with leaflets that are often fan-shaped themselves. The leaflets have smooth edges and a deep green color.

Texture: The fronds have a fine, lacy texture, which adds to the fern’s overall grace and elegance.

Habitat: Maidenhair spleenwort is native to various regions around the world and can be found in rocky crevices, cliffs, walls, and other rocky habitats. It has a preference for well-drained, limestone-rich soils.

Distribution: The species is distributed widely across different continents, including Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa.

Conservation: Maidenhair spleenwort is considered a resilient fern, but like many ferns, it benefits from the conservation of its natural habitats.

Other Species: Asplenium trichomanes is part of the Asplenium genus, which includes a diverse array of fern species.

Maidenhair spleenwort is highly regarded for its delicate and refined appearance, and it is a favorite among fern enthusiasts and plant collectors. Its ability to grow in rocky and challenging habitats adds to its allure, making it an interesting find in natural environments.

Occurrence
Planted in fern outcrop

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Asplenium rhizophyllum (Walking Fern) is a small fern species belonging to the Aspleniaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Size and Growth: Walking fern is a relatively small fern, with fronds typically growing to lengths of 3 to 6 inches (7 to 15 centimeters). However, it has a unique growth habit that sets it apart from other ferns.

Fronds: The fronds of Asplenium rhizophyllum are lance-shaped and pinnately compound, meaning they are divided into leaflets along a central rachis (stalk). The leaflets have smooth edges and a vibrant green color.

Growth Habit: What makes walking fern truly special is its ability to propagate vegetatively by producing new plantlets at the tips of its fronds. When the tips of the fronds touch the ground, these plantlets can take root and grow, giving the impression that the fern is “walking” across the forest floor.

Habitat: Walking fern is native to eastern North America and can be found in shady, moist, and rocky habitats, including limestone outcrops and cliffs.

Distribution: The species has a relatively restricted distribution, mainly occurring in certain regions of the eastern United States and parts of eastern Canada.

Conservation: Asplenium rhizophyllum is considered a rare and sensitive species in some areas, and its conservation is of interest to botanists and nature enthusiasts.

Other Species: Walking fern is part of the Asplenium genus, which includes other fern species with a variety of growth habits.

Walking fern’s unique ability to propagate through its fronds touching the ground and producing new plantlets makes it a captivating fern to observe in its natural habitat. Its delicate appearance and unusual growth behavior make it a sought-after find for fern enthusiasts and botanists.

Occurrence
Found along the fern walk.

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) is a medium-sized fern species belonging to the Dryopteridaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Size and Growth: Christmas fern typically grows to heights of 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters). It has an evergreen habit, meaning it retains its fronds throughout the winter, providing greenery even in colder months.

Fronds: The fronds of Polystichum acrostichoides are lance-shaped and pinnately compound, meaning they are divided into leaflets along a central rachis (stalk). The leaflets have a leathery texture and a glossy dark green color, with a slightly serrated margin.

Sori: On the undersides of the fronds, you can find small clusters of spore-producing structures called sori. These sori are protected by small, kidney-shaped indusia.

Habitat: Christmas fern is native to eastern North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, and rocky slopes. It prefers well-drained soils and partial to full shade conditions.

Distribution: The species has a broad distribution across eastern regions of North America, ranging from Canada down to parts of the southeastern United States.

Conservation: Christmas fern is not considered a threatened species, but like many ferns, its well-being is tied to the preservation of natural habitats and woodland environments.

Other Species: Polystichum acrostichoides is part of the Polystichum genus, which includes various fern species with diverse traits.

Christmas fern gets its name from the traditional use of its fronds as decorations during the holiday season. Its hardiness, attractive evergreen fronds, and adaptability to shaded areas make it a popular choice for landscaping in woodland gardens or shady landscapes.

Occurrence
Found along the fern walk

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern) is a majestic and large fern species belonging to the Osmundaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Size and Growth: Royal fern is a sizable fern that can reach heights of 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters). It is one of the largest ferns found in temperate regions.

Fronds: The fronds of Osmunda regalis are highly distinctive and elegant. They are bipinnately compound, meaning they are divided into multiple leaflets arranged in pairs along a central rachis (stalk). The leaflets have a lance-shaped form, and the fronds arch gracefully, creating an impressive and regal appearance.

Fertility: The fertile fronds of the royal fern are separate from the sterile fronds. The fertile fronds are more upright and bear clusters of brown, spore-producing structures called sporangia on their upper portions.

Habitat: Royal fern can be found in various habitats with moist to wet soils, including swamps, marshes, riverbanks, and damp woodlands. It often thrives in areas with partial to full shade.

Distribution: The species is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of North America, Europe, and Asia.

Conservation: While not generally considered endangered, the preservation of wetland habitats is essential for the health and survival of royal fern populations.

Other Species: Osmunda regalis is part of the Osmunda genus, which includes several other fern species with distinct features.

Royal fern is named for its stately appearance and is highly valued for its ornamental beauty in garden and landscape settings. Its arching fronds and attractive foliage make it a favored choice among fern enthusiasts and gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance to their outdoor spaces.

Occurrence
Planted along fern path and on the spring in the back 40 woods.

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Botrypus virginianus (Rattlesnake Fern) is a small, delicate fern species belonging to the Ophioglossaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Size and Growth: Rattlesnake fern is a relatively small fern, typically growing to heights of 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 centimeters). It has a unique and intricate appearance with two distinct fronds.

Fronds: The fronds of Botrypus virginianus consist of two types: a sterile leafy frond and a fertile spike. The sterile frond is triangular in shape, and its pinnately divided leaflets give it a feather-like appearance. The fertile spike is taller and narrower, growing from the center of the sterile frond. The fertile spike bears the spores necessary for reproduction.

Habitat: Rattlesnake fern is native to North America and can be found in various forested habitats, particularly in moist, shaded areas with rich, well-drained soils. It often thrives in deciduous and mixed forests.

Distribution: The species is found in various regions across eastern North America, including parts of the United States and Canada.

Reproduction: Rattlesnake fern reproduces both vegetatively through its rhizomes (underground stems) and by spores released from the fertile spike.

Conservation: While not considered endangered, rattlesnake fern is still a species of interest to conservationists due to its unique and delicate nature.

Other Species: Botrypus virginianus is one of several species within the genus Botrypus, which includes other interesting ferns.

Rattlesnake fern derives its name from the triangular, snake-like appearance of the sterile frond and the slightly curving fertile spike, which resembles a rattlesnake’s tail. Its striking form and habitat preferences make it an appealing fern for nature enthusiasts to discover in woodland environments.

Occurrence
Found throughout the shaded woods.