Spring Ferning

Narrow Beech Ferns, again!

There are so many new fiddleheads starting to grow up, I hate to show a recent fern a second time, but I think this is worth it. The previous photo of the Narrow Beech Fern (Phegopteris connectilis) was when they were first emerging out of the ground the end of March, and they were just tiny round brown shaggy shapes. Less than a month later, and they are often large enough to be recognizable to people who know ferns. I took this photo just 2 days ago on Mt Toby. I like it because it shows several stages of growth form that the Narrow Beech Fern goes through. The youngest is front center, and the one looking most like the mature fern behind it.

This is an exciting time of year! Besides all the great fiddleheads starting to come up, this appears to be a great year for wildflowers. The Trilliums are widespread, as are the Trout Lilies, Toothworts, and Wood Anemones. Most of those are just starting to flower. The Bloodroots and Dutchman's Breeches are flowering, along with the Wild Ginger.

It looks like we should have quite a lot to look at on our First Hike of the Season, on Sunday April 27th at Chard Pond. I will do the calendar description tomorrow.

Posted: to PV Fern News on Sun, Apr 20, 2025
Updated: Sun, Apr 20, 2025