Fern for ID
- jimmymac2
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Fern for ID
Its seems to be a very common fern in my area, this photo is of it growing in my compost heap.
Always keep your eyes open... 

- Lancashire Lad
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Re: Fern for ID
I'd say this was one of the Dryopteris - (Buckler) ferns.
Looks like new growth, and can't get a good idea of overall size from the one photo.
Additional photos showing the entire plant, along with close ups of the pinnules - both upper and lower surfaces would be handy.
(Always best to take plenty of shots of all aspects when trying to get ID's for plants and trees. As it is for fungi too, of course.
).
I think it's probably Dryopteris dilatata - Broad Buckler (But D. expansa is similar). Plus - I'm no great expert on ferns.
Regards,
Mike.
Looks like new growth, and can't get a good idea of overall size from the one photo.
Additional photos showing the entire plant, along with close ups of the pinnules - both upper and lower surfaces would be handy.
(Always best to take plenty of shots of all aspects when trying to get ID's for plants and trees. As it is for fungi too, of course.

I think it's probably Dryopteris dilatata - Broad Buckler (But D. expansa is similar). Plus - I'm no great expert on ferns.

Regards,
Mike.
Common sense is not so common.
- jimmymac2
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Re: Fern for ID
Thanks Mike for the information. I'll try to get out later, when it's not pouring outside like it is now! 

Always keep your eyes open... 

- Chris Yeates
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Re: Fern for ID
At last!
I'm not agreeing with Mike . . . . .
This looks more like young lady fern to me. D. dilatata has more sharply toothed final segments.
cheers
Chris
I'm not agreeing with Mike . . . . .
This looks more like young lady fern to me. D. dilatata has more sharply toothed final segments.
cheers
Chris
"You must know it's right, the spore is on the wind tonight"
Steely Dan - "Rose Darling"
Steely Dan - "Rose Darling"
- jimmymac2
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Re: Fern for ID
It does look a lot like Dryopteris dilatata and thanks for helping me out. I'll get more photos soon, when I have the time! 

Always keep your eyes open... 

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Re: Fern for ID
I'm with Chris on this one, definitely Lady Fern.
Lady Fern has a very even regular structure, everything is balanced. You can see that the frond if divided in pinnae, the pinnae into pinnules and the pinnules have regular teeth down the sides, these will become more pronounced at the fern matures.
Broad Buckler Fern's most noticeable feature is that the lower pinnules tend to be longer than those above (on the same pinnae) this is most noticeable on the innermost and lowest pinnules.
Lady Fern has a very even regular structure, everything is balanced. You can see that the frond if divided in pinnae, the pinnae into pinnules and the pinnules have regular teeth down the sides, these will become more pronounced at the fern matures.
Broad Buckler Fern's most noticeable feature is that the lower pinnules tend to be longer than those above (on the same pinnae) this is most noticeable on the innermost and lowest pinnules.
- Lancashire Lad
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Re: Fern for ID
Chris Yeates wrote:At last!
I'm not agreeing with Mike . . . . .
This looks more like young lady fern to me. D. dilatata has more sharply toothed final segments.
cheers
Chris
Thanks both.Peachysteve wrote:I'm with Chris on this one, definitely Lady Fern.
Lady Fern has a very even regular structure, everything is balanced. You can see that the frond if divided in pinnae, the pinnae into pinnules and the pinnules have regular teeth down the sides, these will become more pronounced at the fern matures.
Broad Buckler Fern's most noticeable feature is that the lower pinnules tend to be longer than those above (on the same pinnae) this is most noticeable on the innermost and lowest pinnules.
I did say that I'm no expert on Ferns!

Actually, I did initially think Lady Fern, (by trying to key out from what I could see in the photo via my "The Fern Guide" book). - But I was nowhere near certain, which is why I suggested more photos.
Then I Googled for images, and from what I found managed to convince myself that it wasn't Lady Fern, and that D.dilatata looked a better fit.
Next time I'll stick to my first instincts.


Regards,
Mike.
Common sense is not so common.
- jimmymac2
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Re: Fern for ID
On second thoughts, it is more like Lady Fern. Thanks to all!
Always keep your eyes open... 
