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lowland bladderfern

Scientific Name: Cystopteris protrusa

Family: Dryopteridaceae

Category: Fern

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: NY (lowland fragile fern)

       

Cystopteris protrusa: Lowland Bladderfern

Cystopteris protrusa, commonly known as Lowland Bladderfern, is a delicate fern with several alternative common names, including Lowland Brittle Fern, Southern Bladder Fern, and Lowland Fragile Fern.

Considerations for Pets

  • While this plant is described as delicate, keep in mind that ferns in general may have rhizomes or other underground structures that some animals find interesting to dig up or chew.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cystopteris protrusa (Weath.) Blasdell
  • Family: Dryopteridaceae (sometimes classified under Polypodiaceae or Woodsiaceae)
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Cystopteris fragilis var. protusa, Cystopteris protusa
  • Common Names: Lowland Bladderfern, Lowland Brittle Fern, Southern Bladder Fern, Lowland Fragile Fern, Brittle Bladder Fern

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cystopteris protrusa is found in the USA, including states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
  • It is fairly common on rich slopes, especially over basic rock.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • The Lowland Bladderfern typically grows to a height and width of 6-18 inches.
  • It has a rhizome tip.

Related Species

  • Other species in the Cystopteris genus include:
    • Cystopteris montana (mountain bladderfern)
    • Cystopteris fragilis (brittle bladderfern)
    • Cystopteris bulbifera (bulblet bladderfern)
    • Cystopteris X illinoensis (Illinois bladderfern)
    • Cystopteris dickieana (Dickie's Bladder-fern)
    • Cystopteris reevesiana (Reeves' bladderfern)
    • Cystopteris tennesseensis (Tennessee bladderfern)
    • Cystopteris tenuis (upland brittle fern)
    • Cystopteris douglasii (Douglas' bladderfern)

Further Information

  • The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center provides information on North America's native plants.
  • Discover Life offers details about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cystopteris protrusa.
  • Butler University Friesner Herbarium Digital Collection.