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American climbing fern
Scientific Name: Lygodium palmatum
Family: Lygodiaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: CT (climbing fern), IN (climbing fern), MA (climbi
American Climbing Fern (Lygodium palmatum)
The American Climbing Fern, also known as Hartford Fern, Creeping Fern, Windsor Fern, or Thoreau's Climbing Fern, is a unique fern native to North America.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Lygodium palmatum (Bernh.) Sw.
- Synonym: Gisopteris palmata Bernhardi
- Family: Schizaeaceae (Climbing Fern Family/Curly Grass Family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to North America.
- Specifically mentioned as being found in Georgia, North Carolina, and Maryland.
- Habitat includes pine forests.
Morphological Characteristics
- Distinguished by palmately compound fronds with 5-7 finger-like lobes.
- Sterile pinnae are broad-lobed, while fertile pinnae are narrow-lobed.
- New growth at the top is described as lacey.
Ecological Role
- Lygodium palmatum is a native species.
- The related Japanese Climbing Fern (Lygodium japonicum) and Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum) are invasive species, posing a threat to native ecosystems.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Found growing on Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga).
Resources
- USDA PLANTS Database
- Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States
- American Fern Society