Family: Onocleaceae — sensitive fern family

Species in the family Onocleaceae are terrestrial ferns that have running, horizontal stems (rhizomes) underground. There are two genera in New England, each with a single species. The sterile leaves are deciduous and are produced early in the season; fertile leaves are produced later, are dark-colored and last through the winter. The sori are hidden beneath hardened, inrolled leaf edges. Species in the Onocleaceae were formerly considered to belong to the Polypodiaceae.

This family’s genera in New England

• Matteuccia
• Onoclea

Visit this family in the Dichotomous Key

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