Question: hi can you please see if you can identify this fern. picture taken today 12/07/15 in Sherborn, MA... at a …
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Question
hi can you please see if you can identify this fern. picture taken today 12/07/15 in Sherborn, MA... at a Trustees of Reservations site...my first impression is that this is fragile fern also called brittle fern, cystopteris fragilis, I found this fern on a rock outcropping, in a clump with both live and dead fronds, I did not key it out but from the picture is my field guide I think it is this fern...thanks a lot... craymond
Answer
Dear craymond, your fern does indeed look like a species of Cystopteris, specifically Cystoperis fragilis (fragile fern). This is the common species of the genus that is found on rocks, cliffs, and other outcrops where soil is thin to nearly non-existent. Best wishes.
