Question: Gardner, MA--Four years of only green ferns in a deciduous wooded, rocky portion of the west property line. We have …
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Question
Gardner, MA--Four years of only green ferns in a deciduous wooded, rocky portion of the west property line. We have been cautiously encouraging volunteers as we try re-wilding mostly the borders of our small property. Yesterday, I noticed some ruddy brown newbies, with one starting to unfurl a green frond (1st img). I am not sure if these are northern maidenhair fern [Adiantum pedatum L.] or something else? Please advise. Thank you in advance for any assistance with this ID.
Answer
Dear Lily_left_the_valley, good afternoon. These ferns are likely Athyrium angustum (northern lady fern). It has a well-known form with a red petiole and rachis of the leaf. You will notice that there are narrow, very dark scales on the petiole (a diagnostic character of this species). Best wishes.
