Question: This fern was observed in the crevice on a large rock outcropping (some kind of acidic granite) in Northern Somerset …
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Question
This fern was observed in the crevice on a large rock outcropping (some kind of acidic granite) in Northern Somerset County Maine. The Fern was in a clump along with moss. The stipe/rachis had fine down. The sori and underside were gray and downy as a well. The upperside of pinnae was smooth. The stipe was reddish.
Answer
Dear eehrlich, you have photographed Woodsia ilvensis (rusty cliff fern). This species has abundant narrow scales on the petiole. Also, the indusium is inferior and splits apart in many segments, making the the underside of the leaf blade look "hairy". This is a common species on cliffs and ledges.
