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Cystopteris laurentiana — Laurentian fragile fern

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Facts

Laurentian fragile fern has a scattered distribution in northeastern North America. In New England it is found on cliffs and ledges, usually on high-pH substrate, in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. Look closely for sparse glandular hairs to confirm identification of this species.

Habitat

Cliffs, balds, or ledges, ridges or ledges, talus and rocky slopes

New England distribution

Adapted from BONAP data

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North America distribution

Adapted from BONAP data

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Characteristics

Habitat
terrestrial
New England state
  • Connecticut
  • Massachusetts
  • Vermont
Show all characteristics
  • Leaves

    Features of leaves
    • there are no special features on the leaves
    • there are small bulbs on the underside of the leaf blade
  • Place

    Habitat
    terrestrial
    New England state
    • Connecticut
    • Massachusetts
    • Vermont
    Specific habitat
    • cliffs, balds, or ledges
    • ridges or ledges
    • talus or rocky slopes

Wetland status

Not classified

In New England

Distribution

Connecticut
present
Maine
absent
Massachusetts
present
New Hampshire
absent
Rhode Island
absent
Vermont
present

Conservation status

Exact status definitions can vary from state to state. For details, please check with your state.

Massachusetts
rare to uncommon (S-rank: S2S3), #NAME? (code: #NAME?)
Vermont
extremely rare (S-rank: S1)

From Flora Novae Angliae dichotomous key

3.  Cystopteris laurentiana (Weatherby) Blasdell NC

Laurentian fragile fern. Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. var. laurentiana Weatherby • ct, MA, VT. 
Cliffs and ledges, usually high-pH substrate.

Native to North America?

Yes

Sometimes confused with

Cystopteris bulbifera

Synonyms

  • Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. var. laurentiana Weatherby

Family

Woodsiaceae

Genus

Cystopteris