Other scientific names: Anchistea virginicum, Blechnum virginicum French names:
Woodwardie de Virginie Family: Chain Fern Family (Blechnaceae) Distinctive features:
Sori on underside of leaflets are arranged in "chains". Deep swamps. Similar species: • Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) - grows similar habitat; all fronds arise from a central point (knob). • Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) - grows similar habitat, but not quite as wet. • Marsh Fern (Thelypteris palustris) - similar habitat, small plant overall; stems are crooked. Fronds: Twice divided Height:
1-1 m (2-4 ft) Sori:
In chainlike formations. Habitat:
Deep swamps - wet areas. Native/Non-native:
Native Status:
Uncommon.
Origin and Meaning of Names:
Scientific Name: virginica: of Virginia; Virginian Photographs:
54 photographs available, of which 11 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
The whole plant. Virginia Chain Fern grows deep in swamps. The photos on this page are of specimens deep in a shrubby swamp.
Underside of the leaflets showing the "chains" for which it is named.
A better view of the chains in this herbarium specimen.
(Royal Botanical Gardens Herbarium, Burlington, Ontario)
