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asplenium ladyfern

Scientific Name: Athyrium filix-femina ssp. asplenioides

Family: Dryopteridaceae

Category: Fern

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Lady Fern: A Delicate Beauty

The Lady Fern, known for its graceful and elegant foliage, is a popular choice for gardens and natural landscapes. Its delicate, feathery fronds add a touch of softness and texture to any setting.

Considerations for Pets

  • The provided text does not explicitly mention toxicity; however, the plant may contain substances that could cause irritation if ingested.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth
  • Common Names: Lady Fern, Common Ladyfern, Subarctic Ladyfern, Asplenium Ladyfern, Southern Lady Fern, Tatting Fer
  • Family: Dryopteridaceae (Wood Fern Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Asplenium athyrium Spreng.
    • Athyrium asplenioides f. ellipticum Wherry
    • Aspidium angustum
    • Asplenium filix-femina
    • Athyrium angustum
    • Polypodium (historical classification)
    • Aspidium Filix Famina
    • Athyrium Filix Foemina
    • Asplenium nipponicum Mett. (for Japanese Painted Lady Fern)
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
    • Subspecies: Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth subsp. asplenioides (Michx.) Hultn
    • Variety: Athyrium filix-femina var. asplenioides (Michx.) Farw.
    • Forma: Athyrium asplenioides f. ellipticum Wherry

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Lady Fern enjoys a huge native range and is easily grown.
  • Asplenium obovatum, a relative, is found in Scotland.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • The Lady Fern is a deciduous, perennial fern.
  • It typically reaches a height of 1 to 3 feet.
  • Certain varieties, such as the Japanese Painted Lady Fern, have reddish young fronds that mature to a rich green.

Cultivars and Forms

  • Several cultivars and forms exist, including:
    • Asplenium scolopendrium 'Cristatum'
    • Asplenium scolopendrium 'Fimbriatum'
    • Asplenium scolopendrium 'Undulata'
    • Athyrium filix-femina 'Dre's Dagger'

Related Species

  • The text mentions several other fern species, sometimes in the context of differentiating them from Athyrium filix-femina, including:
    • Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort)
    • Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern)
    • Dryopteris aemula (Hay-scented Buckler Fern)
    • Asplenium scolopendrium (Hart's Tongue Fern)
    • Polystichum setiferum (Soft Shield Fern)
    • Asplenium rhizophyllum (Walking Fern)
    • Asplenium bradleyi
    • Asplenium pinnatifidum
    • Osmunda regalis var.

Quirky Facts

  • Some classifications historically placed Common lady fern in family Polypodiaceae or in the genus Asplenium.

Further Information

  • PlantSystematics.org offers information on the phylogeny of Athyrium filix-femina.
  • The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides information about the plant.