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St. Lawrence Bladderfern (Cystopteris laurentiana)

The St. Lawrence Bladderfern, scientifically known as Cystopteris laurentiana, is a delicate and intriguing fern often found in specific habitats. It belongs to the broader group of plants known as bladderferns or fragile ferns.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is also known as fragile fern or brittle fern.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cystopteris laurentiana (Weath.) Blasdell
• Common Names: St. Lawrence Bladderfern, Laurentian Bladderfern
• Synonyms: Cystopteris Laurentiana (note the capitalization difference).
• Family: Dryopteridaceae
• Genus: Cystopteris Bernh.
• Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• The St. Lawrence Bladderfern is found in North America, including:
  • USA (Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wisconsin)
  • Canada (New Brunswick)
  • Specific locations include the Valley of the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes region, and cliffs bordering the St. Lawrence River.
  • Also found in PR, Virgin Islands, VI, Navassa Island, NAV, Canada, CAN, Greenland, GL, Saint Pierre and Michelon, SPM
• It is native to the Northeast US.
• It grows on limestone and sandstone outcrops.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a perennial forb/herb, meaning it lives for more than two years and has a non-woody growth habit.

Related Species

• Other Cystopteris species include:
  • Cystopteris fragilis (Brittle Bladderfern)
  • Cystopteris dickieana (Dickie's Bladderfern)
  • Cystopteris douglasii (Douglas' Bladderfern)
  • Cystopteris montana (Mountain Bladderfern)
  • Cystopteris protrusa (lowland bladderfern)
  • Cystopteris tennesseensis (Tennessee Bladderfern)

Further Information

• Species recognized by Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
• Wisconsin State Herbarium
• Garden Guides
• Altervista