Cystopteris bulbifera

Unique fern that forms green bulbets on the underside of the leaves

Cystopteris bulbifera bulbet bladder fern

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA

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.

Ridges, ledges and rocky slopes.

Wetland codes
EMP: FAC
NCNE: FACW



Spores mature in early summer.

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.

S-rank:  No rank
G-rank:  G5 (Secure)

Cystopteris bulbifera bulbet bladder fern

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA
Cystopteris bulbifera gallery
Plant Life-Form
perennial fern
Common Names