Thelypteris simulata
Thelypteris simulata Massachusetts fern
Synonyms:
Parathelypteris simulata
Feathery fern of wet, acidic places, with narrow pinnae.
Habitat & Range
Sphagnum swamps and bogs, where cedars, spruce, and larch are often present. Also moist, acidic, shady woods. The habitat preference of this fern is between that of Marsh fern (boggy, wet) and New York fern (dry, semi-shaded)
Range from New England states, New York and PA down to Maryland and sometimes found westward. Usually found near the coast.
| EMP: | FACW |
|---|---|
| NCNE: | FACW |
Phenology
Does not overwinter.
Characteristics
Fronds 8 to 28 in. long; erect. Fertile fronds slightly more erect, with relatively longer stipes than sterile fronds, but otherwise similar in form to sterile fronds.
Blade lance-shaped with pointed tip and slightly narrowed at base, widest near middle.
Pinnae narrowed near the rachis, especially the lower pinnae as well as at the tip, cut almost to midvein into 15 or so pairs of blunt lobes, margins not toothed. Lower pairs of pinnae often held in a horizontal plane parallel to ground level. Veins not forked.
Rachis green, slightly hairy above, smooth beneath.
Stipe 3 to 16 in. long. Shorter than blade; slender, yellow-green and a little hairy above, light brown and few scales at base.
Rhizome slender, black, few pale brown scales, and creeping.
Sori small, round, distinct. Indusium pale tan, with minute orange glands, narrowly kidney-shaped.
Special Characters
Basal pinnae taper at both ends.
Plant Codes
S-rank: No rank
G-rank: G4 (Apparently secure)
Thelypteris simulata Massachusetts fern
