SafePlants

Toothed Midsorus Fern (Blechnum serrulatum)

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the plant having fronds, which could be tempting for some pets to chew on.

Considerations for Children

• As a fern with fronds, young children may be tempted to interact with the plant.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Blechnum serrulatum L.C. Rich.
• Common Names: Toothed Midsorus Fern, Swamp Fern, Marsh Fern, Dentate Midsorus Fern, Saw Fern.
• Family: Blechnaceae (Chain Ferns, Deer Ferns, Blechnoids, Chain Fern Family).
• Genus: Blechnum L.
• Kingdom: Plantae (plants).
• Division: Monilophyta (horsetails).
• Class: Polypodiopsida.
• Order: Undefined in text.
• Rank: Species.
• Synonyms/Alternative Scientific Names: Telmatoblechnum serrulatum (Rich.) Perrie, D.J. Ohlsen & Brownsey.
• The text mentions Annona reticulata, but this is an incorrect synonym; this scientific name applies to Custard Apple.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Florida, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
• Often found in swamps and wetlands.

Morphology and Growth Habit

• Perennial forb/herb.
• Medium to large herbaceous fern with erect fronds.
• Typically 2-4 feet in height.
• Spreads from underground stems (rhizomes) and forming large clumps.
• Fronds are pinnate.

Quirky Facts

• The coquí llanero, a type of frog, is often found vocalizing on the leaves of the Toothed Midsorus Fern.

Ecological Role

• Indicates the likely presence of *Lygodium japonicum* (Japanese climbing fern), an introduced species in North America.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Blechnum serrulatum.
• Taxonomic information is available from the British Database of World Flora and Fauna.