Netted chain fern (Woodwardia areolata)

Features and Characteristics

Woodwardia areolata, commonly called netted chain fern, is a deciduous fern of eastern North America which typically occurs in woodland swamps and bogs. Although native to Missouri, it is considered rare in the State and is known to exist in only four southern counties. Features pinnatifid, glossy green sterile fronds which emerge pinkish in spring and unroll to 1-2′ long. Sterile fronds typically have 8-10 pairs of lance-shaped pinnae (leaflets) with small marginal teeth. Fertile fronds arise in summer to the same length as the sterile ones, but have narrower leaf divisions. The pinnae of both fronds have netted veins and the sori (spores) on the fertile fronds are arranged in chain-like rows parallel to the pinnae midribs, hence the common name. This fern is similar in appearance to the much more common sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), except the latter generally grows taller (to 4′), has beaded, woody-like fertile fronds and has smooth-edged leaflets on the sterile fronds.

Genus name honors English botanist Thomas Jenkinson Woodward (1745-1820).

Specific epithet means marked out in small areas.