Ferns at Acorn Cottage

Fern identification can be tedious because so many of them look the same and require minute inspection of the sori and fronds. However, a few are so distinctive that even I can make a positive id with just a little research.

First one must educate oneself on the terminology: rhizome, stipe, rachis, pinna, pinnule, sori. Then one must crawl around in the garden taking photos. Then hopefully, find a match online or in a good plant guide.

So far I have found seven different kinds of ferns here at Acorn Cottage. I am confident in the identification of the first six.

Leatherleaf Fern

Rumohra adiantiformis

Deep green, glossy, leathery fronds, a favorite of florists, 2-3' tall.

Japanese Holly Fern

Cyrtomium falcatum

Coarse, shiny, dark green fronds, 2-3' tall.

Tuberous Sword Fern

Nephrolepsis cordifolia

Invasive fern with grape-like tubers,2-3' tall.

Giant Chain Fern

Woodwardia fimbriata

Large, coarse fronds, native to west coast of North America, 4-5' tall.

The sori show why it's called chain fern.

Rabbit's or Squirrel's Foot Fern

Davallia fejeensis

Soft, silvery, tripinnate fronds. Spreads by creeping rhizomes that resemble an animal's foot, 12-18" tall.

Delta Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum raddianum

Black wirey stems, bright green, tripinnate, delicate fronds, 1-2' tall.

I'm not sure what this last fern is; maybe someone can help me identify it.

It looks like it could be a Male Fern, or perhaps a Shield Fern, or maybe even Wood Fern?

The distinctive arrangement of the sori on the back of the fronds should help.

Tentative identification: Coastal Wood Fern, Dryopteris arguta?

I also have this primitive plant; Scouring Rush, Equisetum hyemale affine. Like ferns, it doesn't have flowers or fruit, and spreads by rhizomes and spores. Clumps of it make a dramatic 3-4' vertical accent.

That's the list of fern-like plants in my garden. What ferns do you have and can you recommend your favorite?