Dryopteris cristata

Forming small evergreen rosettes, the fronds of the crested wood fern reach 2.5 feet in height. It is found in shallow marshes and swamps across the North American continent. Full sun is tolerable, but thrives with 2-3 hours of sun. Once established, will tolerate dry shade. Hardy to -35 degrees.

Basal pinnae are reduced, while fertile pinnae are rotated perpendicular to the taller, erect blade. Blade is narrowly lanceolate, leaflets are pinnate-pinnatifid. Also, a key characteristic of the Dryopteris family, the indusium takes on a broad horseshoe shape in midsummer.

Also known as buckler fern, shield fern, and narrow swamp fern.

(Picture from Mike Rosenthal <www.msrosenthal.com>)

Dryopteris carthusiana

Found in low woods, swamps, thickets, and rocky slopes, the toothed woodfern prefers wet to moist soils. Its delicate fronds grow in a vase-like crown, enabling a semi-evergreen growth, characteristic of the woodfern or Dryopteris family. Its height ranges from 1'-2.5', forming colonies. One form of identification is the bottommost pair of pinnae, where the basal pinules (closest to the main stalk) should be the longest. On Dryopteris intermedia, the pinules one away from the main stalk are the longest. The green stipe will have light brown scales on its surface. Sori are located near the tips of veins.

Spinulose woodfern is threatened by hydrolic changes and browsing.

(Picture from National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland)