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