Dennstaedtia punctilobula

Most often found in a carpet of colonies, hay-scented fern grows from 1'-3' in dry or moist sites in open understory or pasture. Fronds are light green, in the form of large arching triangles 3"-5" wide with bi/tri-pinnate, irregularly cut pinnae. Hairs can be found on the rachis and stipe. Fronds display phototropism.

Aggressive spreading have made it a weed in some areas, and studies in New England have considered its dominance an obstacle to forest regeneration. Unappealing to deer, the fern continues to grow where its competitors have been eaten, and unless shade tolerant trees create a thicker canopy, it will grow unfettered.

Bruised fronds smell of hay.

(Picture from Virginia Department of Conservation)

Botrychium virginianum

Growing to a height of 1-2 feet, the rattlesnake fern is found in rich woodlands. The ternately compound fronds feel soft and display stems that are tan/pinkish near the base, becoming greener in the extended portions. A single fertile frond holds clusters of yellow grape-like spore clusters above the infertile fronds.

Plants can be divided in the spring after new growth begins, but propagation from spores is difficult. Spores need complete darkness and a mycorrhizal relationship to support the gametophyte. In the greenhouse, a mix of 1 part peat, 2 parts loam, and 1 part sand, consistently moist is needed.

This fern will do well in a moist garden area, and has a unique texture and form that can be utilized by the garden designer. Can also be boiled and eaten.

Botrys is greek for a cluster of grapes, while the spore clusters are said to resemble a rattlesnake's rattle.

(Picture from Ontario Ferns)

Athyrium filix-femina ssp. asplenioides

Wide-spreading where its rhizomes are constantly wet, and tolerates most soil conditions. Enjoying dappled sun or shade, the southern lady fern grows bipinnate-pinnatifid fronds in a false crown, resembling a bouquet of christmas tree forms. It can reach 2'-3' and spreads by offsets of plant colonies. It should have protection from wind and a locale of high humidity.

While this fern may be confused with Dryopteris species, the lady fern's leaves are larger, and deciduous, not evergreen. Differences also include the lady fern's slender spore-bearing structures, as opposed to the wood fern's round sori.

These ferns are found in deciduous woodlands, shaded seeps, and swamp edges.

(Picture from Meadowbrook Nursery)

Asplenium platyneuron

Found in rocky areas with excellent drainage, the thin fronds of the Ebony Spleenwort reach upwards in a disordered, glossy mass. Most likely, one or two leaves will be growing flat on the ground. Can tolerate full shade, and provides evergreen color along with dark purple central stipes. It grows up to 15" tall, and in May to September, the more erect fertile fronds develop oblong, herringbone sori on their undersides.

Its tendency to appear in disturbed soil and masonry make it a nice candidate for ruin gardens, rock gardens, or woodlands. They prefer subacid rock or mortar joints/limestone.

Interesting fact: A. platyneuron is the only North American fern that is also found in South Africa.

(Picture from Mobot.org)

Adiantum pedatum

Fan shaped fronds can reach 2 feet in compact, layered form. They prefer full or part shade in wetter areas. Can be divided in spring or fall when slow-growing clumps mature. Will creep as a ground cover if left alone. Returns from winter in April to accompany trilliums. Circular arrangement compliments other whorled leaf structures.

Ripens in August to October. Sow spores on humus-rich sterilized soil, cover in plastic. Pot when plantlets are large enough to handle, outside when at least 2 years old.

A particular characteristic of Maidenhair fern is the fiddleheads, which are multi-formed and deep red in color. Also, the stems are shiny black.

Also known as "Five-fingered Fern".

(Picture from USDA Forest Service)