Question: I found this polypody around Ausable Chasm near the western shore of Lake Champlain. Your guide only mentions 2 similar …
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Question
I found this polypody around Ausable Chasm near the western shore of Lake Champlain. Your guide only mentions 2 similar species, but the sign labels it as Polypodium vulgare. I thought this might be an older synonym for one of those species, though this is not mentioned in your guide. I thought if the managers of the site are incorrect in their signage, they should be notified. Can you clarify? BTW, Wikipedia describes the species P. vulgare, so they might need to be corrected as well.
Answer
chaffeemonell, Polypodium vulgare is a name that was used quite some time ago when several species were all recognized broadly as one variable species. The plants you have photographed look like Polypodium appalachianum (Appalachian polypody), which has more pointed leaflets and a +/- triangular leaf blade. Best wishes.
