Fall Ferns

Dissected Grape Ferns

We are into the Fall Season now, with the start of school and colder nights. While some ferns are stars in the Spring or Summer, the Grape Ferns, especially the Dissected (or Cut-leaf) Grape Ferns (Sceptridium dissectum) around here, are stars in the Fall. They develop their fertile fronds later than most ferns, but can be over a foot tall now. The sporophores are usually a brilliant yellow in the sun, and are often the best way to find the Dissected Grape Ferns in the tall grasses and open field vegetation. The sporophore in this photo looks a little greener because it is not in the bright sun (cloudy day). The Grape Ferns are named for the way the top of the fertile frond looks like a bunch of tiny golden grapes.

The sterile fronds generally grow horizontal to the ground and persist through the winter, often turning a bronze color. The fertile frond dies back. The sterile frond in this photo has a very dissected leaf, and this type is often referred to as a separate variety (Sceptridium dissectum var. dissectum).

The Dissected Grape Ferns tend to grow in sandy open fields and older unmowed cemeteries. They can also sometimes be found growing along trails in open woods. It is always a joy to find them this time of year, so be on the lookout for them!

We are doing a Roadside Ferns walk this Saturday on Montague Rd in Shutesbury. It is from 9-10:30 am, and will be an introduction to common ferns. If you are interested, the sponsor, M.N. Spear Library in Shutesbury, asks that you register with them in advance. This event is free and open to all. See calendar listing for details.

9/8/24