Chain Fern (Woodwardia fimbriata)

If you see a chain fern, look around.  It is almost always near running water.  Tbey’re big for ferns, sometimes reaching 6 feet long, and their flat, double-cut fronds are distinctive.

Field ID Tips

·         Flat, double-cut fronds.

·         Large spores on the bottom of some fronds.

·         Often found near (or standing in) running water.

 

Chain Fern detail Leaf Thumb

 

Chain Fern-433--2011-02-09

 

Links:

CalPhotos

Wikipedia

Mountain Home to West Point Ferns

 

Chain Fern--Jan 11 2012

Chain fern has a distinctive flat double-cut frond, bigger than most other ferns.

 

Chain Fern Spores--July 5 2012 Mt. Tam

Large spores on the underside of the fronds line up like rows of soldiers.

 

Chain Fern-3--May 7 2012

Chain ferns often overhang running water.