SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 12263.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "12263" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Cryptogramma crispa

Scientific Name: Cryptogramma crispa

Family: Pteridaceae

Category: Fern

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Parsley Fern (Cryptogramma crispa)

Cryptogramma crispa, commonly known as parsley fern, is a small, deciduous, long-lived fern species found in arctic and alpine environments.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant has brittle stipes (stalks).
  • It can be densely clustered.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cryptogramma crispa (L.) R.Br. ex Hook.
  • Common Names: Parsley fern, European parsley fern, Mountain parsley fern, Curled rock brake, Rock brake fern
  • Family: Pteridaceae; also mentioned as Adiantaceae in older drafts.
  • Synonyms:
    • Allosorus crispus
    • Osmunda crispa L. (Other combinations: Phorolobus crispus (L.) Desv.)
  • Subspecies/Varieties:
    • Cryptogramma crispa subsp. acrostichoides (R. Brown) Hultn
    • Cryptogramma crispa var. acrostichoides (R. Brown) C. B. Clarke
    • Cryptogramma crispa var. sitchensis C. Chr.

Distribution and Habitat

  • An Arctic-alpine species found in Europe and Asia Minor.
  • Specifically mentioned locations include:
    • South West Scotland
    • Mourne Mountains in Ireland
    • Basaltic escarpment from Cave Hill to Benbradagh in Ireland
    • The Alps
    • Switzerland (Grimseltal)
    • Cheviot Hills
    • Cwm Idwal, North Wales
  • Also found in N-European Russia, Caucasus, Russian Far East, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Albania, Austria, Belgium, England, Bulgaria, Corsica.
  • Prefers well-drained sites on relatively stable, steep scree slopes.
  • Strong calcifuge (prefers acidic soil).
  • Often found on rocky outcrops and mountain cliffs.

Ecological Role

  • Acts as a pioneer species in suitable habitats.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Produces separate sterile and fertile fronds.
  • Plant height: 15-30 cm (6-12 in) tall, described as small.
  • Leaves are deciduous, triangular-ovate in outline, tripinnate, and bright green.
  • Fertile fronds are slightly taller than sterile fronds.
  • Stipe (stalk) is slender and brittle.
  • Leaves densely clustered.
  • Often almost tussock-forming in the wild.

Cytological Information

  • Tetraploid species.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Grows among gneiss and Rhacomitrium lanuginosum (a moss species).

Further Information

  • Somerset Rare Plants Group: www.somersetrareplantsgroup.org.uk
  • Discover Life: Discover Life