Sensitive Fern

Sensitive Fern

Onoclea sensibilis

Wood Fern Family --- Dryopteridaceae

Leaves triangular in shape and only once divided into 5 to 10 pairs of leaflets usually with wavy margins. Bases of leaflets joined especially from middle to tip of leaf forming a kind of wing along the leaf axis.

In moist areas of hardwood and conifer forests, a somewhat short (20 to 30 inches tall) fern, each plant with relatively few leaves arising from underground stems.

Tightly arranged dark brown clusters of spore cases occur terminally on separate fertile leaves. (Photographed at Eagle Lake - August 18, 2002)

� Pathology Images Inc. 2001 & 2002