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Gymnocarpium dryopteris
Gymnocarpium dryopteris (L.) Newman
Western Oakfern, Northern Oak Fern
Dryopteridaceae (Wood Fern Family)
Synonym(s): Dryopteris dryopteris, Dryopteris linnaeana, Phegopteris dryopteris, Thelypteris dryopteris
USDA Symbol: GYDR
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N), GL (N), SPM (N)
This small colony-forming, woodland fern grows 6-16 in. Its delicate fronds are triangular in outline and divided into deeply cut threes.
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: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CO , CT , IA , ID , IL , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MT , ND , NH , NJ , NM , NY , OH , OR , PA , RI , SD , UT , VT , WA , WI , WV , WYCanada: BC , NB , NL , NS , ON , PE
Native Distribution: Circumboreal, s. to upland VA, IA, NM, AZ & OR
Native Habitat: Cool, mossy or rocky woods & stream banks
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, rich soils.
Conditions Comments: This is an excellent ground cover for moist, shaded places. It spreads quickly and is easy to establish and maintain. Dies down in fall.
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | UPL | FACU | FAC | UPL | FACU | FAC | FACU | FAC |
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.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Gymnocarpium dryopteris in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Gymnocarpium dryopteris in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Gymnocarpium dryopteris
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-13Research By: TWC Staff