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May 30, 2012
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Southeastern, New Hampshire
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I must have forgotten to post this plant to the web page last year. It is the easiest
ferm to identify because it’s so unique-looking. Only the Netted Chain Fern
(Woodwardia areolata) has any resemblence to Sensitive Fern. There are some
obvious differences:
- Netted Chain Fern has minutely-toothed leaflets while Sensitive Fern is lobed, but
untoothed (entire).
- The margins of Netted Chain Fern leaflets are wavy.
- The leaflets of the Netted Chain Fern are narrower and less lobed.
- The fertile frond of Sensitive Fern is a stalk with a beaded head that is produced
in the mid-Summer and lasts through Winter. The fertile front of Netted Chain Fern is
similar in shape to the infertile frond, but with much narrower leaflets. It also lasts
through the Winter.
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