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subarctic ladyfern
Scientific Name: Athyrium filix-femina ssp. angustum
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: TN (northern lady fern)
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)
The Lady Fern, scientifically known as Athyrium filix-femina, is a widely recognized fern with several common names, including Common Ladyfern, Subarctic Ladyfern, Asplenium Ladyfern, Southern Lady Fern, and Tatting Fern.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Dryopteridaceae (Wood Fern family)
- Genus: Athyrium Roth
- Species: Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth
- Subspecies:
- Athyrium filix-femina subsp. angustum (Willd.) R.T. Clausen
- Athyrium filix-femina subsp. cyclosorum (Rupr.) C. Chr.
- Variety: Athyrium filix-femina var. cyclosorum (Rupr.) Ledeb.
- Synonyms/Alternative Names:
- Athyrium angustum (used in older references and paintings)
- Athyrium asplenioides (Asplenium ladyfern - potentially a misapplied name)
Distribution and Habitat
The Subarctic Lady Fern is found in moist coniferous forests, such as the eastern edge of Swampy Meadows. It is also documented in New Mexico. Its appearance is noted to be highly variable across its range.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- The Subarctic Lady Fern is typically a large, clustered fern, growing to 2-3 feet tall.
- It is a deciduous, perennial fern, meaning it reappears each spring after fading in winter.
- Its fronds are diamond-shaped, tapering at both ends, and are twice-pinnate (leaves are divided into leaflets, which are further divided).
- The color is light green.
Traditional Uses
- The Chippewa used the Common Ladyfern (Dryopteridaceae) as a diuretic.
- The Iroquois used the Subarctic Ladyfern (Dryopteridaceae) to create a febrifuge (infusion to reduce fever).