Other common names:
Northern Oak Fern Other scientific names: Dryopteris disjuncta, Phegopteris dryopteris, Polypodium dryopteris, Thelypteris dryopteris French names:
Dryoptère disjointe Family: Wood Fern Family (Dryopteridaceae) Distinctive features:
Single stalk. Three-part frond. Delicate aspect. Thrice divided. Woods. Similar species: • Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) - much larger, more common, grows in open areas. • Robert's Fern (Gymnocarpium robertianum) - very similar but rare in Ontario. • Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium virginianum) - more stout; fertile stalk extending upwards from center. • Grape Ferns - stouter; stout separate fertile frond Fronds: Thrice divided Height:
10-20 cm (4-8 in) Sori:
Underside of leaves. Habitat:
Shaded forest. Native/Non-native:
Native Status:
Uncommon but not rare.
Photographs:
73 photographs available, of which 12 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
A single frond of Oak Fern. Note the delicate aspect.
A young Oak Fern.
A "grove" of Oak Ferns.
The sori on the underside of the leaf.
Closer view of the sori.
The base of the stem.
A herbarium specimen, showing the entire plant. Again, note how delicate the stem is.
(Royal Botanical Gardens Herbarium, Burlington, Ontario)
