Schizaeaceae (Climbing Fern or Curly-grass Family)

20. Lygodium palmatum (Bernh.) Swartz 1806. Shr.386, B&B.14

(Gisopteris palmata Bernh. 1801)

(Climbing Fern, Hartford Fern, American Climbing Fern).

Evergreen fern with palmate pinnae twining on shrubs, etc. Ht. 1-3 ft.

Habitat: "Shaded or moist grassy places" (Gray 1867). "In moist thickets and open woods" (Britton 1901). "Wet thickets in sandy or acid soil" (Radford et al 1968). "Terrestrial in woods, thickets, and at bog margins, in humus-rich, slightly acid soil (Lellinger 1985). "In large colonies on sandy soils of wet deciduous/evergreen forests" (Redman 1991).

Frequency: "W-B area and Anne Arundel County; rare" (Brown & Brown 1984). Mapped by Reed (1953) in Anne Arundel, Prince Georges, Montgomery, and Harford Counties. "Rare; Anne Arundel, Calvert, and Prince George's Counties" (Redman 1991).

Heritage Rating: 1988: B2 (Highly State Rare). 1991: Threatened.

Records: Wet thicket Nov. 1890, Katherine A. Taylor (US) (Stieber 1967). Junction of Benfield Road and Coolspring Branch near Butler estate (Plitt 3/28/1903). Two stations near "Forest Home" on Marley Creek watershed (Plitt 5/2/1903, 4/29/1905). Severn Run above Dicus Mill (Plitt 1/30/1906); this is the largest station in Maryland, with vigorous colonies of plants in sandy thickets along Severn Run. "Millersville" by P. H. Friese (Shreve et al 1910). Dicus Mill Road, in wet woods along the Severn Run 9/26/1951, Clyde F. Reed (US) (Stieber 1967). Four stations (upper county) mapped by Reed 1953. Severn Run 10/31/1982, 3/6/1983, 7/12/1986, 6/22/1987 (at Dicus Mill), 6/-/1987 (at Gambrills Road), 7/9/1988, 12/21/1991 (behind Millersville P.O.) (Sipple 1993). "Ben Oaks" 5/13/1998; see Sipple 1999, p.350.

Sightings: Rear of Crouse property, on hilltop adjacent to Severn Run park property. Indian Creek Branch; small station on mountain laurels at rear of lot at end of Larue Road, by Rucker & Todd Davison ca. 1986. Relocated by Rucker & Julie Robertson; extant 1989.

Herbaria: US (Stieber 1971).

7. Sinopteridaceae (Maiden-hair Family)

21. Adiantum pedatum L. subsp. pedatum.

(Northern Maidenhair Fern, Maidenhair Fern).

Deciduous; dark wiry stipe forked into 2 recurved branches; ht. 9-15".

Habitat: "Rich, moist woods" (Gray 1867). "Terrestrial in rich, moist, circumneutral to subacid soils, usually in the shade" (Lellinger 1985). "In moist, rocky woods" (Redman 1991). Humus-rich soil of north-facing steep slopes in cool, shady, deep wooded ravines, often with Hydrangea arborescens.

Frequency: "Rare in the Coastal Zone, common in the Midland and Mountain Zones" (Shreve et al 1910). "Common in all counties above the Fall Line and D. C., and Charles, Prince George's, St. Mary's, and Talbot Counties on the Coastal Plain" (Redman 1991). Seen by Rucker at Belt Woods, P.G.Co. Occurrence in A.A.Co. seems precarious, due to habitat disturbance and periodic drought conditions.

Records: Three county stations mapped by Reed 1953. In deciduous woods 1.2 mi. S. of Odenton P. O. at 39 deg. 03'49"N, 76 deg. 41'25"W, 6/7/70; Danny Bystrak MARY #31145.

Sightings:

(1.) Chase Creek Watershed: Rucker property, upper ravine slope, with Hydrangea arborescens; perhaps forty plants ca. 1972, but not seen 1991, or since, probable drought loss.

(2.) Chase Creek watershed: Wm. H. Berry property, damp slope in narrow ravine, under tuliptrees ca. 1986; not seen since ca. 1990.

(3.) Chase Creek watershed: Iliff's ravine, three sub-ravines near Diplazium pycnocarpon ca. 1986 & May 2000 (ca. 100 ft. from 157.6 foot tuliptree). Two sites seen by Rucker & Sipple 6/28/2002.

(4.) Chase Creek watershed: ravine, ca. 100 ft. below Pine Bluff stormwater outfall, May 2000 (near 151.7 foot tuliptree).

(4.) Rays Pond watershed: Iliff property, upper slope, north of pond ca. 1986; not seen 1991 or since; probable drought loss.

(5.) Arnold Recreation Area, perhaps forty plants under ancient white oak behind microwave tower ca. 1972; all plants dug up by A. A. Co. Recreation & Parks personnel, taken to Londontowne Publik House gardens, late 1970's.

(6.) Brewer Creek watershed: several small stations in upper ravines, Davison & Rucker, ca. 1986.

(7.) College Creek: reported from the Hock Tract, not confirmed, doubtful.

Herbaria: MARY.

22. Pellaea x atropurpurea L.) Link 1841. Shr.389, B&B.36

(Pellaea glabella x ternifolia)

(Pteris atropurpurea L. 1753)

(Purple Cliff-brake)

Frond 6-15", stipe dark purple, shining.

23. Polypodium virginianum L.

[Polypodium vulgare var. virginianum (L.) Eaton]

as Polypodium vulgare L. 1753., without var. Shr.389, B&B.3

(Common Rock Polypody, Common Polypody, Rock Polypody)

Small (ht. 4-10") evergreen fern.

24. Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Michx.) Moore 1857. B&B.27

[Dicksonia punctilobula (Michx.) A. Gray 1848] Shr.387

[Nephrodium punctilobulum Michx. 1803]

(Hay-scented Fern)

Deciduous fern 2-3 ft. high with much-divided pinnae.

25. Pteridium aquilinum var. latiusculum (Desv.) Underw. B&B.38

Most local plants are the above var. (Brown & Brown 1984).

[Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn 1879] B&B.38

(Pteris aquilina L. 1753 - used rather broadly in older manuals) Shr.389

(Eastern Bracken Fern)

Deciduous fern with a broad leathery ternate frond 1-2 ft. high.

Habitat: "In sunny places" (Britton 1901). "Terrestrial in barrens, pastures and open woodlands in moderately to strongly acid soil" (Lellinger 1985). "Open woodlands (particularly pine woods), thickets, barrens, and pastures, preferring light acid sandy soils" (Redman 1991). Loose, sandy, highly acidic soil of flat, open, scrubby oak or pine woods.

Frequency: "Throughout the state; common" (Shreve et al 1910). "A weed in pastures and recently cleared fields" (Jaques 1959). "Abundant; occurs in every county and D. C." (Redman 1991). Common on the Magothy Formation, but limited to sandy terraces and promontories on the Aquia.

Records: About ten stations (As var. latiusculum; county-wide) mapped by Reed 1953. Sawmill Pond 8/26/1989 (As P. aquilinium by Sipple 1993). Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary (Mason et al 1991). Beachwood Park, Downs Park, Forge Bridge, Jacobsville Park, Kinder Park, Lake Waterford Park, Poplar Ridge Park, "W" Section of Fort Meade (As P. aquilinum by Longbottom 1991, 1993).

Sightings: Chase Creek watershed: uncommon on sandy promontories at Briar Cliff; five plants on promontory above Rucker's Pond (died out ca. 1976). Sullivans Cove (along River Rd.). Forked Creek (Sackett property). Sewell Spring Branch near river. Plum/Gumbottom Branch at Miner Road 10/15/1988. Truxtun Park. Sawmill Creek Park (power line r/w). Power line r/w near Round Bay Bog 9/15/1990. Pointfield Landing marina, near Bear Branch 5/16/1991.

26. Pteridium aquilinium var. pseudocaudatum (Clute) Heller 1900. B&B.38

(Southern Bracken Fern, Tailed Bracken)

Habitat: "Terrestrial in barrens and open pine or oak woods in acid, often sandy soil" (Lellinger 1985).

Frequency: "Has been reported in the W-B area." (Brown & Brown 1984).

"Common in barrens and open pine or oak woods. Restricted to the Coastal Plain of Anne Arundel, Caroline, Calvert, Charles, Dorchester, Prince George's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties" (Redman 1991).

27. Thelypteris hexagonoptera (Michx.) Weatherby 1919.

[Phegopteris hexagonoptera (Michx.) Fee 1850-1852] Shr.388, B&B.22

[Dryopteris hexagonoptera (Michx.) C. Christens 1905]

(Polypodium hexagonopterum Michx. 1803)

(Broad Beech Fern, Southern Beech-fern)

Deciduous fern with triangular fronds broader (7-12") than long.

Habitat: "Rather open woods" (Gray 1867). "In dry woods" (Britton 1901). "In moist and dry forests" (Shreve et al 1910). "Terrestrial in moist, moderately acid soil, usually in full shade" (Lellinger 1985).

Frequency: "Midland and Mountain Zones; infrequent" (Shreve et al 1910).

"Frequent in all regions west of the Chesapeake Bay; uncommon on the Eastern Shore" (Reed 1953). "Common on forested slopes in all counties and D. C. above the Fall Line, infrequent on the Coastal Plain, and absent from Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties" (Redman 1991). A fern of rich virgin soils, it is probably restricted to mixed forests of old growth, which are much reduced in Anne Arundel County.

Martins Pond ravine. Brewer Creek watershed. Little Magothy watershed, frequent at Woods Landing II, April 1992.

28. Thelypteris noveboracensis (L.) Nieuwl. B&B.22

(Dryopteris noveboracensis (L.) A. Gray 1848] Shr.387

(Aspidium noveboracense Swartz 1801)

(Polypodium noveboracense L. 1753)

(New York Fern)

Slender light green deciduous fern; four lowest pairs of pinnae reduced.

Habitat: "Swamps and moist thickets" (Gray 1867). "In moist woods"

(Britton 1901). "In moist forests, but commoner in open wet situations" (Shreve et al 1910). "Terrestrial in woods and swamps in rich, subacid soil" (Lellinger 1985). "Damp wooded hillsides and pond margins, where acid soils prevail" (Shaver 1954). Forming dense stands in transitional zones of firm, but hydric soil, often with Smilax rotundifolia.

29. Thelypteris palustris (Salisb.) Schott B&B.22

[Dryopteris thelypteris (L.) A. Gray Shr.387

(Aspidium thelypteris Swartz 1801)

It appears local plants are of the following variety:

Thelypteris palustris (Salisb.) Schott var. pubescens (Lawson) Fernald

[Dryopteris thelypteris (L.) A. Gray var. pubescens (Lawson) Nakkai]

[Dryopteris thelypteris forma pubescens (Lawson) Clute 1938]

[Dryopteris thelypteris var. pubescens (Lawson) A. R. Prince ex Weatherby 1936]

(Northeastern Marsh Fern, Northern Marsh Fern, Marsh Shield-fern)

Slightly larger than T. noveboracensis; lower pinnae not reduced, innermost pinnules clasping stipe, tip of frond twisted.

30. Thelypteris palustris (Salisb.) Schott forma haleana (Fernald) Reed B&B: unlisted.

[Dryopteris thelypteris (L.) A. Gray var. pubescens forma haleana (Fernald) Reed 1951]

[Dryopteris thelypteris var. haleana (Fernald) Broun ex Weatherby 1936}

(Southern Marsh Fern)

Frequency: Mapped by Reed in Anne Arundel, Talbot, and Caroline Counties.

Records: Two stations (mid-county) mapped by Reed 1953.

31. Thelypteris simulata (Davenp.) Nieuwl. B&B.22

(Aspidium simulatum Davenp.)

(Dryopteris simulata Davenp. 1894) Shr.387

(Bog Fern, Massachusetts Fern)

Similar to T. palustris, but veins of fertile pinnules not forked.

32. Asplenium platyneuron (L.) B.S.P.

[Asplenium platyneuron (L.) Oakes ex D. C. Eaton 1879] Shr.388, B&B.3

(Asplenium ebeneum Ait. 1789)

(Acrostichum platyneuros L. 1753)

(Ebony Spleenwort)

Small (6-10") evergreen fern with dark wiry stipes, auriculate pinnae.

Habitat: "Rocky, open woods" (Gray 1867). "On rocks and banks, preferring limestone soil" (Britton 1901). "In dry forests; in open situations and on rocks" (Shreve et al 1910). "Epipetric on rock ledges, terrestrial on subacid soil, and on masonry and rock walls" (Lellinger 1985). Moist sandy slopes, old sandstone retaining walls, rotten joints in north-facing brickwork, and low rock piles.

Frequency: "Throughout the state; common" (Shreve et al 1910). "Abundant in both epipetric and terrestrial situations on acidic, and less often, calcareous substrates, in sun or shade in every county, Baltimore City, and D. C." (Redman 1991). Frequent county-wide.

Records: South of Annapolis 8/18/1913, Ivar Tidestrom (US) (Stieber 1967). Fourteen stations (county-wide) mapped by Reed 1953. Java Farm, infrequent in moist mature hardwood forest west of Muddy Creek & north of deck road; solitary on shady bank above Sand Point marsh, Cheston Peninsula of Ivy Neck, Higman 143, 162 (CBC) (Higman 1977). Hancock's Resolution (Envirens 1991). Beachwood Park 10/12/1990, Longbottom 1317 (AACC). Beverly-Triton Beach, Broad Creek Park, Downs Park, Friendship Pond Park, Governors Bridge gravel pits (Longbottom 1991, 1993). Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary (Mason et al 1991).

Sightings: Chase Creek watershed (Berry property, at old house foundations. Rucker property). Sewell Spring Branch (near old sandstone house foundation near river). Corcoran tract at Sandy Point 6/18/1988. By woods road to Round Bay Bog 9/15/1990. Abundant (ca. 70 plants) in loose mortar of north-facing brickwork at top of Senate Building garden wall; a few at House of Delegates Building "porch", Annapolis, 1990; also State House window well August 1993. Woods near Round Bay Bog (Longbottom, pc 1991).

Herbaria: AACC, CBC. US (Stieber 1971).

33. Asplenium platyneuron (L.) B.S.P. var. incisum (E. C. Howe) B.L. Robinson

[Asplenium platyneuron (L.) Oakes var.

incisum (E. C. Howe) B.L. Robinson 1908] B&B.31

(Serrate Ebony Spleenwort)

SYN Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth 1799. B&B.29

[Athyrium filix-foemina (L.) Roth 1799]

[Asplenium felix-foemina (L.) Bernh. 1806] Shr.389

(Polypodium filix-foemina L. 1753).

(Lady Fern)

Upright (ht. 1-3 ft.), deciduous; pinnae much-divided, tips long-acuminate.

The distinction between the different subspecies and forms of lady fern is remote; it is often convenient to treat them as one taxon.

34. Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth subsp. angustum (Willd.) Clausen

[Athyrium angustum (Willd.) Presl. var. typicum Butters 1937]

[Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth var. michauxii (Spreng.) Farwell 1917] B&B.29

[Athyrium angustum (Willd.) Presl. forma typicum Butters 1917]

[Athyrium asplenioides (Michx.) A. Eaton var. angustum (Willd.) Moore 1860]

[Athyrium angustum (Willd.) Presl. 1825]

(Northern Lady Fern, Upland Lady Fern)

Deciduous, blade widest near middle.

Habitat: "Terrestrial in moist woods, swamps, and thickets in usually subacid soil" (Lellinger 1985). "In moist woods, thickets, and forested wetlands" (Redman 1991).

Frequency: "Occasional on the Inner Coastal Plain, west of the Chesapeake, and westward through Maryland. Much less frequent than its form rubellum" (Reed 1953). Reed mapped stations in Carroll, Baltimore, Harford, Cecil, Charles and Talbot Counties; he mapped rubellum in all Md. counties. "Abundant; in all counties and D.C." (Redman 1991).

Records: Java Farm, solitary at small culvert on old entrance road; solitary in mature pine stand on Cheston Peninsula at Ivy Neck, Higman 480, 1103 (CBC) (Higman 1977).

Sightings: Chase Creek watershed (Lot 707) 6/9/1993.

Herbaria: CBC (As var. michauxii). US (As var. michauxii) (Stieber 1971).

35. Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth var. michauxii (Spreng.) Farwell forma rubellum (Gilbert)

Farwell 1923.

[Athyrium angustum (Willd.) Presl. var. rubellum (Gilbert) Butters 1917]

(Red-stiped Northern Lady Fern) Form not listed by B&B.

Habitat: "Rich, damp, shady woods" (Reed 1953).

Frequency: "Frequent throughout eastern & central area, becoming less

frequent in the mountains" (Reed 1953).

36. Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth subsp. asplenioides (Michx.) Hulten

[Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth var. asplenioides (Michx.) Farwell 1923]

[Athyrium asplenioides (Michx.) A. Eaton forma typicum Butters 1917]

[Athyrium asplenioides (Michx.) A. Eaton 1817] B&B.29

(Southern Lady Fern)

Deciduous, blade widest just above base.

Habitat: "Terrestrial in wet woods and thickets, swamps, and seeps in moderately to strongly acid soil" (Lellinger 1985). "In wet woods and on creek banks" (Reed 1953). "Moist woods, thickets, and forested wetlands" (Redman 1991).

Frequency: "Common throughout our area. especially through central Maryland, becoming less frequent in the Coastal and Mountain regions" (Reed 1953). "Abundant in all counties, Baltimore City, and D. C." (Redman 1991).

Records: About five stations (county-wide) mapped by Reed 1953. "One station near Muddy Creek at Java Farm" (Stieber 1971). Java Farm, solitary in broad shaded ravine (study area 2), Higman 456, (CBC) (Higman 1977).

Herbaria: CBC. US (As var. asplenoides) (Stieiber 1971).

37. Deparia acrostichoides (Swartz) M. Kato

[Athyrium thelypterioides (Michx.) Desv. 1827] B&B.29

(Asplenium thelypterioides Michx. 1803)

(Asplenium acrostichoides Sw. 1800) Shr.389

(Silvery Spleenwort, Silvery Athyrium, Silvery Glade Fern, Silver Lady Fern)

Blades pinnate-pinnatifid, somewhat resembling O. cinnamomea, but smaller, and sori on pinnae.

Habitat: "Rich woods" (Gray 1867). "In rich moist woods" (Britton 1901). "Terrestrial in moist woods, often on slopes, in subacid to circumneutral soil" (Lellinger 1985). Deep moist shady ravines and swales containing mossy rocks.

Frequency: "Frequent above the Fall Line, westward into the Allegheny Mountains; uncommon on the Coastal Plain" (Reed 1953). "Frequent in moist rich woods in all counties, Baltimore City, and D. C. above the Fall Line, and rare in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Prince George's, Talbot, and Worcester Counties on the Coastal Plain" (Redman 1991). Habitat sensitive; probably restricted to cool, rich, rocky ravines in mid-county.

Heritage Rating: Formerly shown as "declining", unlisted 1988, 1991.

Records: One station (mid-county) mapped by Reed 1953.

Sightings: Chase Creek watershed (ravines at Rucker, Berry and Iliff properties). (Rucker & Iliff sites seen by Rucker & Sipple 6/28/02). Brewer Creek watershed (ravine, Sherwood Forest woods)

38. Diplazium pycnocarpon (Spreng.) Broun

[Athyrium pycnocarpon (Spreng.) Tidestrom 1906] B&B.29

(Asplenium pycnocarpon Spreng. 1804)

(Asplenium angustifolium Michx. 1803) Shr.388

(Glade Fern, Narrow-leaved Spleenwort, Narrow-leaved Glade Fern, Narrow-leaved Athyrium)

Tall (Ht. 2-3 ft.), deciduous fern; pinnae entire, lanceolate.

Habitat: "Rich woods" (Gray 1867). "In moist woods" (Britton 1905). "Moist forests" (Shreve et al 1910). "Damp shady woods and alluvial flats" (Reed 1953). "Terrestrial in swampy thickets and glades in moist, neutral soil" (Lellinger 1985). "..very moist, shaded places such as steep hillsides and the heads of ravines. North-facing slopes and north-facing ravines, especially if they have a permanent or semi-permanent stream in the trough of the ravine, seem favorable." (Shaver 1954). "On forested floodplain terraces" (Redman 1991). Extremely habitat sensitive; on calcium-rich soils. The two stations at Chapman Forest are classified as shell-marl ravine forests. Pawpaw and bitternut are usually present, as at the Chesapeake Beach (Calvert Co.) station relocated by Wayne Tyndall & Rucker.

Heritage Rating: 1988: B3 (State Rare). 1991: Threatened. 1994: S1 (Highly State Rare) Threatened. 2001: S2 (State Rare), Threatened.

Frequency: Baltimore County (Shreve et al 1910). "Frequent on the Piedmont, and uncommon westward in Maryland; rare on the Coastal Plain adjacent to the Piedmont" (Reed 1953). "Rare; Baltimore, Harford, and Washington Counties" (Redman 1991). Also occurs in A. A. Co., Charles Co. (Chapman Forest), P.G.Co. (Belt Woods), Calvert Co., & Washington Co. (Boone, in Norden et al 1984).

Records: One station (mid-county) mapped by Reed 1953.

Sightings:

(1) Chase Creek watershed. Rucker's ravine. Located 1972 by Rucker; extant 2001, seen by Rucker & Sipple 6/28/02. A large (ca. 300 sq.ft.) side-shelf of plants appears to be the original site. Plants have advanced loosely onto the adjoining alluvial deposit for ca. 250 feet, where (1999) a spreading blanket of Ranunculus ficaria may prove beneficial in trapping siltation and conserving moisture.

(2) Chase Creek watershed. Iliff property, side ravine of Rowles Branch. Located 1980 by Rucker. Extant 2000, seen by Rucker & Sipple 6/28/2002. This is a very rich site, with Asimina, Dentaria, and Hepatica. The ferns are numerous and well-scattered, often on the north side of large tuliptrees, the largest population being on a steep slope below an immense three-trunked northern red oak.

(3) Chase Creek watershed. Iliff property, side ravine of Rowles Branch. Located 1980 by Rucker. Extant 2000. This adjoining ravine has a small population on a steep well-shaded side-bank at the upper convergence of this small ravine. The soil is rich and nearly bare, due to the extreme shade.

(4) Chase Creek watershed. Located May 2000 by Rucker, seen by Rucker & Sipple 6/28/2002. Iliff property, side ravine of Rowles Branch, at the north end of Briar Cliff. This small population occurs on alluvial deposits in a small ravine bottom about 50 feet north of a 157.6 foot tall tuliptree.

(5) Brewer Creek watershed. Located 1986 by Rucker & Davison. Several dozen plants on a linear side-shelf of a narrow ravine trough, under pawpaws. A concern is scouring by runoff from a nearby road.

39. Onoclea sensibilis L. 1753. Shr.386, B&B.20

(Sensitive Fern, Bead Fern)

Deciduous; sterile fronds to 2 ft.

Habitat: "Moist or wet places, along streams" (Gray 1867). "In moist soil" (Britton 1901). "In moist forests, swamps and open wet grounds" (Shreve et al 1910). "Wet ditches, open wet meadows, moist forests and swamps" (Reed 1953). "Terrestrial in marshes, swamps, damp woodlands, and along river banks in wet, usually subacid soil" (Lellinger 1985). "Forested and non-forested wetlands, moist fields, and thickets" (Redman 1991).

Frequency: "Throughout the state; common" (Shreve et al 1910). "All counties, Baltimore City, and D. C." (Redman 1991).

Records: South R., the headwaters of the North Run, in standing water at edge of a swamp 9/15/1946, J. Ewan (US) (Stieber 1967). About fourteen stations (county-wide) mapped by Reed 1953. Manresa, in a swampy area in the Severn River 6/1/1966, Steiber 6 US (Stieber 1967). Java Farm, infrequent on Muddy Creek floodplain above old entrance road & along shaded ditch of Fox Creek, Higman 182, 325 (CBC) (Higman 1977). Four county fresh-marsh stations mapped by Sipple 1978. Angels Bog (Whigham 1981, Sipple & Klockner 1984). Picture

Spring Branch (Nevamar Pond, by Ecological Analysts, 1983). Back Creek watershed (Williams 1989). Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary (Mason et al 1991). Bacon Ridge Park, Beachwood Park, Broad Creek Park, Downs Park, Friendship Pond Park, Kinder Park, Lake Waterford Park, Patuxent Community Pond, Poplar Ridge Park, Quiet Waters Park, "W" Section of Fort Meade (Longbottom 1991, 1993).

40. Dryopteris x boottii (Tuckerm.) Underw. 1893. Shr.388, B&B.27

(Aspidium boottii Tuckerm. 1843)

(Aspidium spinulosum Swartz var. boottii)

(Nephrodium boottii)

Natural hybrid between D. cristata and D. intermedia.

(Boott's Woodfern, Glandular Swamp Fern)

Habitat: "In woods" (Britton 1901). "Moist wooded ravines along and above the Fall Line" (Reed 1953). "In swamps or on wooded streambanks" (Redman 1991)l. Acid bogs and wet woods.

Frequency: "Sporadic within the general distribution of D. cristata, more frequent on the Piedmont and in the Allegheny Mountains" (Reed 1953). Reed mapped boottii in Garrett, Frederick, Baltimore, Harford, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Anne Arundel, and Wicomico Counties.

"Infrequent; Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Garrett Counties" (Redman 1991).

41. Dryopteris carthusiana (Villars) H. P. Fuchs

[Dryopteris austriaca (Jacq.) Woynar var. spinulosa (Muell.) Fiori]

[Dryopteris spinulosa (O. F. Muell.) Kuntze 1891]

[Dryopteris spinulosa (Retz.) Kuntze] Shr.387

[Dryopteris spinulosa (O. F. Muell.) Watt 1867] B&B.24

(Aspidium spinulosum Swartz)

(Polypodium spinulosum O. F. Muell. 1767)

(Nephrodium spinulosum)

(Spinulose Woodfern, Spinulose Shield-fern, Toothed Woodfern)

Evergreen, lying flat over the winter. Similar to D. intermedia, but inner lower pinnules larger than those adjoining.

Habitat: "In damp woods" (Gray 1867). "In rich woods" (Britton 1901). "Terrestrial in moist to wet woods and swamps" (Lellinger 1985). Low rich woods and moist thickets.

Frequency: "Midland and Mountain Zones; rare" (Shreve et al 1910). "Common in mountains; less common eastward" (Brown & Brown 1984). "Common in central Maryland, frequent west of Frederick County, and occasional on the Eastern shore in moist woods and swamps" (Redman 1991).

Records: Glenburnie bog (As N. spinulosum; C. E. Waters 1905). Three stations (mid-county) mapped by Reed 1953. Java Farm, solitary on marshy shaded bank of Bluejay Branch, Higman 251 (CBC) (Higman 1977).

Sightings: Chase Creek watershed (Rucker property). Elliott property, Bell Branch Road June 1991. Ruins of Dash Mill at Lake Waterford 8/13/1988, 2/17/1990 (tentative identification). Lower Plum/Gumbottom Branch 10/15/1988 (tent. ident.). Kass tract at Bay Ridge 10/6/1990 (tent. ident.).

Herbaria: CBC.

42. Dryopteris celsa (Wm. Palmer) Small B&B.24

[Dryopteris goldiana var. celsa (Palmer) Clute 1938]

[IN ERROR: Dryopteris clintoniana (D. C. Eaton) Dowell f. celsa (Palmer) Wherry 1950]

(IN ERROR: D. clintoniana x goldiana Dowell 1908)

[Aspidium goldianum (Hook.) subsp. celsum (Palmer) Robinson]

[Dryopteris goldiana (Hook.) A. Gray subsp. celsa Palmer 1899]

(Log Fern)

This is a natural hybrid of a more northern species, D. goldiana, and D. ludoviciana (Kunze) Small, a southern coastal plain species (S. Va. to Fla.). The spores are often fertile, and it has been found in the Great Dismal Swamp (Sipple 1993, p.298); in the Blue Ridge of Tennessee; the mountains of West Virginia; and other places. It was formerly considered a hybrid or a form of D. clintoniana (See Shaver 1954, Reed 1953). Blade thick, upright, evergreen, like D. cristata, but more broad, with long acuminate tips. Height to 20 in.

Habitat: "Rotting logs, rich springy slopes, humus hummocks in moist woods" (Strausbaugh & Core 1970). Redman states that it grows vigorously on drained swamps and similar disturbed areas.

Frequency: Mapped from Howard Co. by Reed 1953. "Infrequent Baltimore and Cecil Counties; also Garrett" (Brown & Brown 1984). "Infrequent as mostly small colonies in swamps, along wooded streambanks, and on rocky seepage slopes. Extant populations are in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Somerset, Talbot, and Worcester Counties" (Redman 1991).

Heritage Rating: 1988: B2 (Highly State Rare) 1991: Endangered. 1994 & 2001: S3.1 (Watchlist, global significance), Threatened.

Records: Chase Creek watershed: Rucker property, plants growing on a swampy hillside seep and Smilax thickets with D. cristata. Identified 12/18/92 by Donnell E. Redman. Erroneously recorded by the author as D. clintoniana [Maryland Scenic Rivers: The Severn (1983), and Davison & Rucker 1988]. Collected by Longbottom Oct. 1997 for AACC herbarium. Seen by Rucker & Sipple 6/28/02.
43. Dryopteris cristata (L.) A. Gray 1848. Shr.387, B&B.24

[Aspidium cristatum (L.) Sw. 1801]

(Polypodium cristatum L. 1753)

(Nephrodium cristatum)

(Crested Woodfern, Crested Shield-fern, Narrow Swamp Fern)

Upright (to 2 ft.) evergreen; frond narrow, pinnate; innermost pinnules much larger.

44. Dryopteris expansa (Presl.) Fraser-Jenkins & Jermy B&B: unlisted.

[Dryopteris dilitata (Hoffman) A. Gray]

(Dryopteris spinulosa var. dilitata Underw. 1893)

(Aspidium spinulosum var. dilitatum Hook. 1830)

(Polypodium dilitatum Hoffman 1795)

(Florist's Fern, Spreading Woodfern, Spreading Shield-fern)

"A high mountain species of rocky woods ... Newfoundland to Alaska, ...Tennessee and North Carolina" (Britton and Brown 1913). "Labrador, Quebec, southern Ontario, the upper peninsula of Michigan, northern Wisconsin, and northwestern Minnesota. Also Alaska south to Oregon, central California, northern Idaho, western Montana, northwestern Wyoming, and northern Colorado" (Lellinger, 1985).Frequency: Not listed for Maryland by Reed 1953, or Brown & Brown 1984. Stieber's entry appears to refer to a specimen which Higman later (1977) calls "Florist's Fern" but identifies as "D. spinulosa (O. F. Muell) Wat.", not D. dilitata.

45. Dryopteris intermedia (Muhl.) A. Gray 1848 B&B.27

[Dryopteris austriaca (Jacq.) Woynar var. intermedia (Muhl.) Morton

[Dryopteris spinulosa var. intermedia (Muhl.) Underw. 1893] Shr.388

(Aspidium spinulosum Swartz var. intermedium)

(Aspidium americanum Davenp. 1878)

(Polypodium intermedium Muhl. 1810)

(Evergreen Woodfern, American Shield-fern, Fancy Fern)

Similar to D. spinulosa, but inner lower pinnules smaller than those adjoining.

Habitat: "In swamps, open wet ground and bogs" (Shreve et al 1910). "Terrestrial in moist, sometimes rocky woods and swamps" (Lellinger 1985).

Frequency: "Rather common west of the Chesapeake Bay from the inner Coastal Plain to the Allegheny Mountains; rare on the Eastern Shore" (Reed 1953). "Abundant in Garrett County, common in all counties above the Fall Line, and rare on the Coastal Plain in moist, often rocky woods" (Redman 1991). Probably absent from most of county.

Records: "Anne Arundel County, Leon (1553)" (Shreve et al 1910); presumably collected 6/16/1907, as were #1548 & #1552. Leon was on the Patuxent about 2 miles below Hills Bridge. About four stations (west and upper county) mapped by Reed 1953.

Herbaria: CBC (CBC 1993). Shreve's #1553 may be at MARY, as is his #1552 (D. cristata).
46. Dryopteris marginalis (L.) A. Gray Shr.387, B&B.24

[Aspidium marginale (L.) Swartz 1806]

(Polypodium marginale L. 1753)

(Marginal Shield-fern, Marginal Woodfern, Leather Woodfern)

Thick, leathery, evergreen.

Habitat: "Rocky hillsides in rich woods" (Gray 1867). "In rocky woods" (Britton 1901). "Moist forests" (Shreve et al 1910). "Epipetric or terrestrial on rock ledges, talus slopes, and on soil in shade and exposed places" (Lellinger 1985).

Frequency: "Throughout the state; rare in the Coastal Zone, common in the Midland and Mountain Zones" (Shreve et al 1910). "Common in rocky woods of all counties above the Fall Line, infrequent on the Coastal Plain along swamp borders" (Redman 1991).

Records: Five stations (county-wide) mapped by Reed 1953. Java Farm, solitary on old entrance road in mixed hardwood forest, Higman 1364 (CBC) (Higman 1977).

Herbaria: CBC.

47. Dryopteris x uliginosa Druce B&B: Not listed.

(Dryopteris cristata x spinulosa Lasch 1905)

(Aspidium cristatum Swartz var. uliginosum Milde - see Gray 1867, under A. spinulosum

var. boottii).

(Druce's Wood Fern, Lasch's Wood Fern)

A natural hybrid between the crested woodfern and the spinulose woodfern. See Reed 1953, p.135. Also Lellinger 1985, p.289. Probably much like D. boottii; see Gray 1867, p.665.

Habitat: "It has been found with the parent species in upland swampy places" (Reed 1953).

Frequency: Listed but not mapped by Reed 1953.

Records: "Two stations in swamps in Anne Arundel County" (Redman 1991). These are near Davidsonville (Redman, pc 12/18/1992).

48. Polystichum acrostichoides (Michx.) Schott. 1834. B&B.27

[Dryopteris acrostichoides (Michx.) Kuntze 1891] Shr.387

(Aspidium acrostichoides Swartz)

(Nephroidium acrostichoides Michx. 1803)

(Christmas Fern) Evergreen; blades pinnate, with auriculate pinnae.

49. Polystichum acrostichoides forma incisum (A. Gray) Gilbert 1901. B&B.27

(Aspidium acrostichoides var. incisum)

(Aspidium schweinitzii Beck)

(Serrate Christmas Fern)

"Several forms and varieties of this species have been described that appear to be based on developmental abnormalities; ...Wagner, Farrar, and McAlpin (1970) have shown that ...f. incisum is not genetically fixed, for fronds of this "form" appear sporadically on normal plants of P. acrostichoides" (Lellinger 1985).

50. Woodwardia areolata (L.) Moore 1857 Shr.388, B&B.33

[Lorinseria areolata (L.) Presl. 1851]

(Woodwardia angustifolia Smith)

(Acrostichum areolatum L. 1753)

(Net-leaved Chainfern, Netted Chainfern)

Deciduous fern, fronds pinnatifid, rachis winged near tip; ht. 12-18".

Habitat: "Bogs" (Gray 1867). "In swamps" (Britton 1901). "Coastal Zone; in sandy swamps and thickets, and in bogs" (Shreve et al 1910). "Terrestrial in wet woods, swamps, along streams, and in bogs in acid soil" (Lellinger 1985). "Acid bogs, swamps or wet woods" (Brown & Brown 1984). Low, moist, often mossy, thickets on sandy soil.

Frequency: "Coastal Zone; frequent" (Shreve et al 1910). "Common in large colonies in swamps and bogs in all Coastal Plain counties" (Redman 1991).

Records: "Glen Burnie, 7 specimens, Oct. 1894, Oct. 1895, 9/1/1902, C.E.Waters (US) (Stieber 1967). Glen Burnie 8/3/1901 [1891 in error; should read 1901], 2 specimens, William R. Maxon (US) (Stieber 1967). Wet woods at Glenburnie bog (C. E. Waters 1905). Margin of bog at Glenburnie (M. A. Chrysler in Shreve et al 1910; p.185). Eight stations (county-wide) mapped by Reed 1953. Magothy R. swamp, in a thicket along the stream 8/18/1960, James Benedict (US) (Stieber 1967). Eight county wooded-swamp stations mapped by Sipple 1978. Magothy at Catherine Avenue 10/1/1983 (Sipple 1993). Cypress Creek Savanna, Round Bay Bog, Angel's Bog (Sipple & Klockner 1984). Waterford Branch above Elvaton Road 11/3/1989 (Sipple 1993). Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary (Mason et al 1991).Beachwood Park, Broad Creek Park, Downs Park, Friendship Pond Park, Governors Bridge gravel pits, Lake Waterford Park, Poplar Ridge Park (Longbottom 1991, 1993).

Sightings: Chase Creek watershed (by Ruckers Pond). Brewer Pond floodplain. Truxtun Park. Corcoran tract at Sandy Point 6/18/1988.

Lower Plum/Gumbottom Branch 10/15/1988. Boyd Pond, swamp at SW corner

(Longbottom, pc 1991).

Herbaria: CBC (CBC 1993). US (Stieber 1971).

51. Woodwardia areolata forma obtusiloba (Waters) Broun B&B: unlisted.

[Lorinseria areolata forma obtusilobata (Waters) Broun 1938].

Habitat: "Swamps and wet deciduous woods...sporadic in cutover areas" (Reed 1953).

Frequency: Mapped by Reed in Anne Arundel and Dorchester Counties.

Records: One station (south county) mapped by Reed 1953.

52. Woodwardia virginica (L.) J. E. Smith 1793 Shr.388, B&B.36

[Anchistea virginica (L.) Presl. 1851].

(Blechnum virginicum L. 1771)

(Virginia Chainfern)

Upright (ht. 2-3 ft.) deciduous fern with unwinged rachis and distinctive aligned sori.

53. Marsilea quadrifolia L. 1753 Shr.389, B&B.41

(Marsilia quadrifolia L. - see Gray 1867)

(European Water-clover, Pepperwort, European Marsilea)

Introduced from Europe to Bantam Lake, Litchfield Co., Conn. ("The only habitat in America" Gray 1867). "Thence introduced into other parts of the country, from Massachusetts to Maryland" (Britton & Brown 1913).

Habitat: Rooted in mud. "Marsh or aquatic plants, the leaves commonly floating on the surface of shallow water" (Britton 1901).

"Aquatic, either submerged or emergent, or sometimes on wet ground bordering ponds. Naturalized from Ontario and New England south to Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio..."(Lellinger 1985).

54. Azolla caroliniana Willd. 1810. B&B.41

(Eastern Mosquito Fern)

Tiny floating ferns, 0.5 to 1 cm across; leaves 0.5 mm long. "Plants forming little mats on the water, 1/2" to 1" broad" (Gray 1867).