Ferns & Fern Allies

Common

Common NameScientific NameHabitatNotes
Christmas Fern Polystichum acrostichoides Forest understory Evergreen; clumping
Cinnamon Fern Osmundastrum cinnamomeum Wet forests, swamp edges Large; fertile fronds distinctive
Royal Fern Osmunda spectabilis Streambanks, swamp edges Locust-like appearance
Sensitive Fern Onoclea sensibilis Wet meadows, swamps Spreads aggressively
Ebony Spleenwort Asplenium platyneuron Dry to mesic forests Small; dark stipe
Southern Lady Fern Athyrium asplenioides Moist forests Graceful; lacy

Uncommon / Less Frequent

Common NameScientific NameHabitatNotes
Hay-scented Fern Dennstaedtia punctilobula Dry to mesic slopes Colonial spreader; fragrant
Rattlesnake Fern Botrypus virginianus Rich mesic forests Fertile stalk above fronds
Virginia Chain Fern Woodwardia virginica Bogs, acidic swamps Aggressive in wet acid soil
Marsh Fern Thelypteris palustris Marshes, wet meadows Fine-textured
Northern Maidenhair Fern Adiantum pedatum Rich coves Delicate; fan-shaped
Evergreen Wood Fern Dryopteris intermedia Moist forests Evergreen
Netted Chain Fern Woodwardia areolata Swamps, bogs Dimorphic fronds

Rare / Conservation Concern

Common NameScientific NameHabitatNotesStatus
Bog Clubmoss Lycopodiella alopecuroides Seepage bogs S2-S3
Appressed Clubmoss Lycopodiella appressa Wet pine savannas S3