Northern Lady Ferns
Many of our local ferns are fading now, but they can still be beautiful to look at, and have characteristics that still allow us to identify them. That is the case with the lovely Northern Lady Ferns (Athyrium angustum). They are getting very pale, but that can allow a clear view of their sori or fruit dots, as in this photo. The Northern Lady Ferns are considered a medium to large sized fern, and this year we have seen some very tall ones. They can sometimes be confused with Silvery Spleenwort (also called Silvery Glade) ferns, but there are a few characteristics which can help differentiate them.
The first is the shape of the sori. Both species of ferns have sori in a sort of herringbone pattern, but the Northern Lady Fern sori are generally hooked at one end, while the Silvery Spleenwort sori are straight. If you look carefully at the sori in the photo, you will see that most all of them are somewhat hooked or curved. Also, the Northern Lady Fern blade is thrice cut, while the Silvery Spleenwort is only twice cut (therefore not as frilly in appearance). Lastly, the Northern Lady Ferns have translucent stems with scattered fine dark scales on the lower part of the stalk (stipe), which some people say make them look like hairy legs. Silvery Spleenworts have fine white (silvery) hairs on all parts of the stem, from top to bottom. At this time of year, the scales and hairs may be harder to see, and may require a hand lens or the right lighting. There are other features which also differentiate these two somewhat similar ferns, but these are a few examples.
There are many beautiful and very different sori that are still visible on different ferns in our area. Most do not require a hand lens. So when you are out exploring, make sure to take another look at the ferns and their sori.
10/21/24
Posted: to PV Fern News on Mon, Oct 21, 2024
Updated: Mon, Oct 21, 2024