Cystopteris bulbifera bulbet bladder fern

This graceful fern forms pea-like formations along the plant's stem and the midribs of pinnae. These bulbets fall on the ground and produce new plants. It can grow up to 18 in on wiry stipes similar to those of maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum). The finely cut pinnae of long, triangular-shaped frond are lacy in appearance.

Habitat & Range

Ridges, ledges and rocky slopes.

Wetland codes

EMP:	FAC
NCNE:	FACW

Phenology

Spores mature in early summer.

Characteristics

Fronds 12-32 in. long; 3 or so in. wide. Sterile fronds emerge early and are often shorter.

Blade pale green to yellow-green, long and triangular, broadest at base and extended to a long, usually drooping tip.

Pinnae most perpendicular to rachis, drooping at ends and ranging from long and triangular to long and narrow. Mostly alternate, except lower pinnae that are opposite.

Pinnules most frequently long and narrow, but variable in shape; lobed; veins end at tips of lobes.

Rachis shining yellow, densely covered with gland-tipped hairs.

Stipe shorter than blade; reddish to pink when young, later straw-colored to greenish; mostly smooth but base sparsely scaly.

Rhizome short and creeping, slender, black, and scaly.

Sori between margin and midvein of pinnule. Indusium with minute, short-stalked glands. Spores mature in early summer.