Fiddleheads 2026

Fragile Ferns 2

I always present the Fragile Ferns (Cystopteris tenuis) first in the season when they are tiny fiddleheads, but I thought it would be good for folks to see what the ferns look like past those first fiddleheads. The larger fiddleheads are really pretty, as are the fully developed fronds. They are still way ahead of the other ferns in our area, which are just showing tiny fiddleheads while the Fragile Ferns are almost fully developed in the early sites. The Bulblet Ferns (Cystopteris bulbifera) are developing their ruby red stemmed fiddleheads now, but no sign of leafy fronds yet. The other ferns we have been monitoring are futher behind in development, but I will be showing some more soon!

If you see nice green new ferns like this, they are likely to be Fragile Ferns. In the photo you can see some of the old brown fronds still hanging down from their stony perch. The recent hot weather should make more ferns pop up, along with the wonderful wildflowers.

Happy Spring!

Posted: to PV Fern News on Tue, Apr 14, 2026
Updated: Tue, Apr 14, 2026