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creepingfern

Scientific Name: Bolbitis

Family: Dryopteridaceae

Category: Fern

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Creeping Fern

This page provides information about various plants referred to as "creeping fern." Several species, including those in the Odontosoria and Bolbitis genera, are known by this common name. Please note that since "creeping fern" is a general term, the characteristics and potential considerations can vary significantly depending on the specific species.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some varieties, such as the Japanese creeping fern, are known to be invasive and may spread rapidly if planted outdoors.
  • The Lesser Creeping Fern has a creeping stem covered with dark scales, which might be a consideration for small animals.

Scientific Names and Taxonomy

  • Several species are referred to as "creeping fern," including:
    • Gleichenia polypodioides (Lesser Creeping Fern)
    • Odontosoria chinensis (Chinese Creepingfern; synonyms: Sphenomeris chusana)
    • Lygodium palmatum (based on the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database reference)
    • Bolbitis nicotianifolia (Thinleaf creepingfern)
    • Bolbitis aliena (Diamond Creeping Fern)
    • Bolbitis portoricensis (Puerto Rico Creeping Fern)
    • Arthropteris palisotii (Lesser Creeping Fern)
  • Odontosoria belongs to the family Lindsaeaceae and order Polypodiales.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Some creeping ferns are native to the eastern United States.
  • The Lesser Creeping Fern grows on trees.
  • Japanese creeping fern is described as an invasive alien species.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The Lesser Creeping Fern has a branched and wiry creeping stem covered with dark scales.
  • It has shiny green fronds that can grow up to 30 cm tall.
  • Creeping ferns can have a twining stem and palmately-lobed sterile fronds and forked fertile fronds.

Ecological Role

  • Japanese creeping fern is considered an invasive alien species, suggesting potential negative impacts on native ecosystems.

Resources and Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Botanical Society of South Africa
  • Dave's Garden
  • Wikimedia Commons
  • Discover Life
  • Lyrics.net
  • EnglishKeyWordList.com