spinulose wood fern
ExplorePlants
spinulose wood fern
Dryopteris carthusiana
The spinulose wood fern is a lovely green plant that grows in shady places. Its fronds are shaped like feathers and can be very tall, making it look like a little forest on its own!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The spinulose wood fern has delicate, lacy fronds that are vibrant green and triangular in shape. Its fronds are deeply cut, giving them a finely textured, somewhat spiny appearance, making it distinct from broader-leaved ferns. These fronds emerge from the base in a graceful cluster.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPolypodiopsidaOrderPolypodialesFamilyDryopteridaceaeGenusDryopteris
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Instead of seeds, it makes microscopic dust-like spores carried by the wind!
Its name 'spinulose' means 'minutely spiny,' even though its fronds feel soft to touch!
Look for tiny brown dots on the frond undersides; those are its spore factories!
This fern has been around since the time of dinosaurs, millions of years ago!
Special abilities
Ability
Spore Power
Spinulose wood fern has sori on its fronds that release tiny spores to spread and create new ferns without needing seeds or flowers.
Ability
Winter Green
This fern can keep its fronds green through winter in some climates, allowing it to capture sunlight when other plants are dormant.
Ability
Shade Master
Spinulose wood fern thrives in low light, thanks to its efficient fronds that capture scarce sunlight in dense forest understories.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-75 cm
- Spread
- 45-90 cm
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
Ecological connections
eaten by
Spanish slug
Arion vulgaris
Slugs may occasionally browse on its fronds.
eaten by
White-tailed deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Deer occasionally browse on young fern fronds.
shelters
Pillbug
Porcellionides pruinosus
Pillbugs and other invertebrates find refuge under its fronds.
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Nonvascular
This trait characterizes plants lacking specialized vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) for transporting water and nutrients.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Spore Producing
Spore-producing organisms reproduce by releasing small, often single-celled, reproductive units called spores.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch wild plants unless a grown-up says it's okay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is spinulose wood fern?
30-75 cm
How wide does spinulose wood fern spread?
45-90 cm
Is spinulose wood fern edible?
No
Is spinulose wood fern toxic?
None
What is spinulose wood fern's lifecycle?
Perennial
Where is spinulose wood fern usually found?
Forests
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