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Cystopteris fragilis
Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh.
Brittle Bladderfern, Brittle Bladder Fern, Fragile Fern
Dryopteridaceae (Wood Fern Family)
Synonym(s): Cystopteris dickieana, Cystopteris fragilis ssp. dickieana, Cystopteris fragilis var. angustata, Cystopteris fragilis var. woodsioides, Filix fragilis
USDA Symbol: CYFR2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), HI (I?), CAN (N), GL (N), SPM (N)
The appearance of fragile fern is variable, depending greatly on habitat. It is usually a low clump (10-12 in. tall and 2 ft. across) of narrowly-pointed, twice pinnate fronds.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb , Fern
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Size Notes: Fronds up to about 16 inches long.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not ApplicableBloom Notes: Non-flowering, sporulating plant. Sporulates Mar - Aug.
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , CT , HI , IA , ID , IL , KS , MA , ME , MI , MN , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NM , NV , NY , OH , OR , PA , SD , UT , VA , VT , WA , WI , WYCanada: NB , NL , NS , ON , PE
Native Distribution: Nf. to AK, s. locally to PA, VA mts., n. IN, AR, TX & CA
Native Habitat: Rich, deciduous woods; sandstone ridges; bluffs
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Soil Description: Moist, neutral soil among limey rocks.
Conditions Comments: One of the earliest spring ferns, fronds wither during droughts and quickly reappear after the next rainy spell.
Propagation
Description: Propagate by division.Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Additional resources
USDA: Find Cystopteris fragilis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Cystopteris fragilis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Cystopteris fragilis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-01-26Research By: TWC Staff