Rocky Mountain woodsia
ExplorePlants
Rocky Mountain woodsia
Woodsia scopulina
The Rocky Mountain woodsia is a lovely fern that grows in rocky places. Its delicate, green leaves make it look like a tiny forest all on its own!
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The Rocky Mountain woodsia is a small, delicate fern with lacy, twice-pinnately compound fronds that are often covered in tiny glandular hairs, giving them a slightly fuzzy look. Its short, brownish stems emerge in tufts from rocky crevices. The bright green fronds unfurl like tiny coiled spirals.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPolypodiopsidaOrderPolypodialesFamilyWoodsiaceaeGenusPhysematium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ferns are ancient plants, much older than flowering plants, like living fossils!
Instead of seeds, this fern uses millions of tiny spores to create new plants!
Its name 'woodsia' honors a famous botanist who loved discovering new plants!
This fern unrolls its new fronds in a spiral shape called a fiddlehead!
Special abilities
Ability
Rock Anchor
Rocky Mountain woodsia has roots that can anchor firmly into tiny rock crevices, helping it survive where other plants can't.
Ability
Spore Power
Rocky Mountain woodsia reproduces using tiny spores, which are light enough to be carried by the wind to new locations.
Ability
Cold Crusader
Rocky Mountain woodsia can withstand cold temperatures and harsh mountain winds, helping it thrive in alpine environments.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-25 cm
- Spread
- 10-30 cm
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
Ecological connections
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Mule deer may nibble its fronds.
eaten by
Elk
Cervus canadensis
Elk sometimes browse its fronds.
shelters
Red Wood Ant
Formica rufa
Ants might shelter under its fronds.
Traits
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Cold Hardy
Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
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 delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Rocky Mountain woodsia?
10-25 cm
How wide does Rocky Mountain woodsia spread?
10-30 cm
Is Rocky Mountain woodsia edible?
No
Is Rocky Mountain woodsia toxic?
None
What is Rocky Mountain woodsia's lifecycle?
Perennial
Where is Rocky Mountain woodsia usually found?
Mountain regions
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
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Park40 sightings6 species
South Dakota, US
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
You might spot Least Chipmunk and Rocky Mountains Ponderosa Pine.
View guide →
Park7 sightings3 species
British Columbia, CA
Anarchist Protected Area
You might spot Ocean Spray, Rocky Mountain Woodsia, and Prairie Smoke.
View guide →
