Question: Hi, this fern was found on dry upland,in an oak pine forest in SE CT. It was 3ft in ht. …
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Question
Hi, this fern was found on dry upland,in an oak pine forest in SE CT. It was 3ft in ht. The fronds are clumped, sori were straight and cream colored. The stipe is green with dark brown scales and grooved. The vascular bundle is U shaped. I thinking its Athyrium filix-femina; but the stipe is green (not dark brown or straw colored). Last Sept. the sori were dark brown. Thanks
Answer
Dear eehrlich, The fern appears to be Athyrium angustum (northern ladyfern). The dark scales on the petiole are typical of this species. Petiole colors are not always typical until the plant stops growing (i.e., many are green initially in the early part of the growing season). Best wishes.
