Winter Ferns 2024-2025

Climbing Ferns - Hope in the New Year

Entering the New Year on a hopeful note! We were out on a fern walk on the last day of 2024 at Elf Meadow in Amherst, and rediscovered a colony of Climbing Ferns (Lygodium palmatum) that had disappeared some years ago. We were not expecting it at all, and it was definitely the highlight of our walk and the day. And a great way to usher in a new year.

Although this fern looks delicate, it stays green all winter and is a beautiful find. It grows like a vine, climbing up the stems of bushes. These palmately shaped "leaves" are sterile. The fertile ones are similar in shape but much smaller, and grow above the sterile ones in season.

It is also called the "Hartford Fern" because it was the first plant protected by law in the United States, which happened in Connecticut in 1869. According to Go Botany, it is considered uncommon in MA. It grows best in wet, sunny areas.

Wishing you all the best in 2025. Happy Ferning!

Posted: to PV Fern News on Fri, Jan 3, 2025
Updated: Fri, Jan 3, 2025