Woodwardia virginica

Woodwardia virginica Virginia chain fern

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA

New fronds of this fern have a bronzy color and light brown hairs on the brown rachis and stipe.  It likes to grow in acidic swamps and bogs.

Grows in sphagnum bogs,  swamps, and muddy wet spots in woods

Range is from Nova Scotia and Michigan, south to Florida and Louisiana. Ascends to 1300 feet in PA

Wetland codes

EMP: OBL
NCNE: OBL



The epithet virginica was given to the plant in 1753 by Linnaeus after the state in which it was found.

Woodwardia virginica Virginia chain fern

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA
Woodwardia virginica gallery
Common Names
Virginia chain fern