Information on Ten Different Species of Ferns
Ferns are flowerless, seedless plants that have distinctive leaves known as fronds. Thousands of different fern varieties exist. Ferns have been around for millions of years, with some early ferns fossils dating back to the Mesozoic era, 360 million years ago. Ferns prefer to grow in shady, moist conditions beneath the canopy of a forest. Does this Spark an idea?
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Royal Fern
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The royal fern (Osmunda regalis) is found in deciduous regions in the United States. It grows from 2 to 5 feet tall in habitats with especially wet soil, usually near streams and lakes or in bogs. It tends to grow in clumps with flat, dark green leaflets.
Plumosus Fern
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The plumosus fern (Asparagus setaceus) grows from 16 to 24 inches long and features lacy branchlets that resemble the needles of an evergreen tree. The stem is extremely wiry, giving the plant a feathery appearance. Popular in the Victorian era, the plumosus fern's soft foliage is used to decorate cakes.
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Cinnamon Fern
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The cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) can grow quite tall, anywhere up to 5 feet. Found in swamps and near streams, the cinnamon fern produces the fiddleheads commonly associated with ferns. The plant gets its name from the cinnamon color the fronds turn when fertile. Its fiddleheads feed birds like the ruffed grouse.
Myers Fern
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The Myers fern (Asparagus densiflorus "Myers") has an interesting body that looks like green pieces of coral. Growing up to 2 feet tall, the Myers fan has dense foliage that looks like needles. Like all ferns, the Myers fern prefers to grow in moist environments.
Interrupted Fern
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The interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana) is a unique fern that gets its name from its striking colors. While the top, sterile leaflets are sterile and grown, the fertile leaflets below them are brown, creating a stark difference. This species can grow to 4 feet tall and are found in the woods and along shady roadways.
Hayscented Fern
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The hayscented hern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) is quite common in parts of New England and grows in large groups. Growing only to about 1 to 1 1/2 feet, hayscented ferns create a carpeting effect in forests. These ferns have lacy, fronds that are light green.
Bracken
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Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) is a common frond that is easily identifiable by its triangular shaped fronds. It is unique because its rhizomes have adapted to survive forest fires. They grow from 3 to 5 feet in height and prefer sun or part shade in places that have infertile soil.
Common Polypody
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The common polypody (Polypodium virginianum) is a small fern that likes to grow on rocks or boulders. Rarely reaching more than 1 foot in height, the common polypody is an evergreen variety of fern that grows its spores on the underside of its fronds.
Marsh Fern
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True to its name, the marsh fern (Thelypteris palustris) is a species that likes to grow in very wet conditions. Growing up to 2 feet in height, the marsh fern has distinctive curled edges to its leaves. While it does not grow in standing water, it likes a wet environment.
Christmas Fern
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The Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) is a common species that remains green year round, making it a popular Christmas decoration. Growing up to 3 feet in height, the Christmas fern is found in woods. It is easily recognizable because its leaflets get progressively smaller as they go up the frond.
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References
- Photo Credit fern image by Lytse from Fotolia.com
