autumn fern
ExplorePlants
autumn fern
Dryopteris erythrosora
The autumn fern is a beautiful plant with bright, colorful leaves that change in the fall. It loves to grow in shady places and adds a splash of color to gardens and forests.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The autumn fern has striking fronds that emerge a beautiful coppery-red or bronze, gradually maturing into a glossy, dark green. Its triangular, deeply cut fronds form a dense, graceful clump, distinct from many plain green ferns.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPolypodiopsidaOrderPolypodialesFamilyDryopteridaceaeGenusDryopteris
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient ferns like this have been around for millions of years, even before dinosaurs roamed the Earth!
Baby fern fronds unroll in a spiral, looking just like the head of a violin, called a "fiddlehead"!
Ferns help purify the air by absorbing pollutants, keeping our world clean and fresh!
Its scientific name, *erythrosora*, means "red sori," referring to the cool reddish spore cases on its fronds!
Special abilities
Ability
Spore Sprayer
Autumn fern can reproduce using tiny spores found on the underside of its fronds, sending out new plant "babies" without needing flowers or seeds!
Ability
Color Changer
This fern has young fronds that magically unfurl in vibrant copper or red, then slowly transform to a deep, glossy green as they mature.
Ability
Shade Seeker
Autumn fern can thrive in shady spots where many other plants struggle, using the low light to grow strong and healthy.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-75 cm
- Spread
- 30-75 cm
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
Ecological connections
symbiotic with
Common Earthworm
Lumbricus terrestris
improves soil health
shelters
Garden Snail
Helix aspersa
rests under its fronds
symbiotic with
Bonnet Mushroom
Mycena galericulata
decomposes leaf litter
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch wild plants, as some can be prickly or not safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is autumn fern?
30-75 cm
How wide does autumn fern spread?
30-75 cm
Is autumn fern edible?
No
Is autumn fern toxic?
None
What is autumn fern's lifecycle?
Perennial
Where is autumn fern usually found?
Forests
Snap Map
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