Also called Bead Fern.
Broad, deeply lobed green fronds spread through damp ground. Separate beadlike fertile fronds provide a distinctive seasonal clue.
Sensitive Fern. Select the photo to open the gallery.
Plant group Fern
Life cycle Perennial
Reproduction Spores
Habitat Wet woods, damp clearings, and wetland edges
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Look in moist or wet ground, in sun or shade. The name refers to foliage that is sensitive to frost and drought.
Check the broad lobes and winged axis rather than relying on color. Fertile beadlike fronds are especially helpful when present.
The leafy fronds have a much coarser outline than finely divided woodland ferns. Close views show the connected lobes and netted veins.
The smaller fertile fronds have tightly modified segments around their spore-producing structures. These differ greatly from the green leafy fronds.
Underground rhizomes produce patches of fronds. The gallery focuses on leafy fronds, developing growth, and habitat; it does not yet document the beadlike fertile stage.
7 selected field photographs. Select any image to enlarge it and browse the slideshow.
A widespread fern of eastern North America, growing in damp woods and other moist to wet habitats.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.
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