Genus: Cystopteris — fragile fern

Past and present hybridization make the species of Cystopteris difficult to identify. Also, mature plants may be smaller than normal when growing in stressful habitats. Make sure to look at stems, leaf stalks and blades before making a determination, and examine several different plants in the population. Reference: Haufler et al. (1993).

Family

Woodsiaceae (lady fern family)

This genus’s species in New England

• Cystopteris bulbifera
• Cystopteris fragilis
• Cystopteris laurentiana
• Cystopteris protrusa
• Cystopteris tenuis

Visit this genus in the Dichotomous Key

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