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brittle bladderfern
Scientific Name: Cystopteris fragilis
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: NY (common fragile fern), OH (brittle fern)
Cystopteris fragilis: The Brittle Bladder Fern
Cystopteris fragilis, commonly known as the brittle bladder fern or common fragile fern, is a delicate and widespread fern species found across the globe.
Considerations for Pets
- While the provided text indicates no known toxicity reports specifically for Cystopteris fragilis, caution is always advised when introducing new plants into an environment with pets.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh.
- Common Names: Brittle bladder fern, common fragile fern, brittle fern, bladder fern, northern fragile fern.
- Family: Dryopteridaceae
- Genus: Cystopteris Bernh.
- Synonyms: Cystopteris dicieana, Polypodium fragile. Other names include: Cystopteris regia, Cystopteris dentata, Cystoptre Fragile
Distribution and Habitat
- This fern has a worldwide distribution.
- It typically thrives in shady environments.
- It has been observed growing between rocks on cliffs, such as at Davis Canyon Natural Area in Okanogan County, Washington.
- In North East England, it is commonly found in crevices in shady limestone walls.
- It also grows on damp rocks and walls, avoiding the most acidic rocks.
- It can be found in locations such as Iceland and northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington (Blue Mountains, Malheur or Umatilla national forests).
- It has also been seen in grykes in limestone.
Morphological Characteristics
- It is described as a small fern.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Spores of C. fragilis may contribute to the presence of Cystopteris dickieana (Dickie's Bladder fern) in certain sea sites.
Related Species
- The text also mentions Cystopteris laurentiana (St. Lawrence bladderfern) and Cystopteris dickieana (Dickie's Bladder fern).
- Cystopteris tenuis (Upland brittle bladderfern) is also referenced.
Further Information
- Herbarium specimens can be found at institutions such as the Shrewsbury Museums Service.
- The USDA Plants database may contain additional information (variety or subspecies information).