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Cystopteris protrusa — southern fragile fern

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Facts

Southern fragile fern is probably the most common fragile fern through much of its southern distribution. It reaches the northeastern limit of its range in New England, where it is known only from rich moist forests in Connecticut. Unlike the other fragile ferns, this species grows on soil rather than rocks.

Habitat

Forests, swamps

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
  • wetlands
New England state
Connecticut
Show all characteristics
  • Leaves

    Features of leaves
    there are no special features on the leaves
  • Place

    Habitat
    • terrestrial
    • wetlands
    New England state
    Connecticut
    Specific habitat
    • forests
    • swamps

Wetland status

Usually occurs in non-wetlands, but occasionally in wetlands. (Wetland indicator code: FACU)

In New England

Distribution

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

Conservation status

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

Massachusetts
unranked (S-rank: SNR)

From Flora Novae Angliae dichotomous key

4.  Cystopteris protrusa (Weatherby) Blasdell NC

southern fragile fern. Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. var. protrusa Weatherby • CT; also 
reported from MA by Haufler et al. (1993a), but voucher specimens are unknown. On soil in 
rich, mesic forests.

Native to North America?

Yes

Sometimes confused with

Cystopteris tenuis

Synonyms

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

Family

Woodsiaceae

Genus

Cystopteris