Sensitive Fern

Onoclea sensibilis

no photo — written note
photo: Wikimedia Commons
Plants

Coarse triangular fronds that blacken with the first frost, plus bead-like fertile stalks.

Field facts
HabitatWet woods, ditches, floodplain
RangeStatewide
When to lookMay until first frost
StatusSecure (Indiana DNR / IUCN Red List)
Look-alikesNetted Chain Fern

Field note: The dark bead-like fertile fronds stand through winter snow.

Lesson
Watching responsibly

Spreads by rhizome; leave patches intact to hold wet soil.

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