Woodwardia virginica (L.) J.E. Smith
BLECHNACEAE (Chain-Fern Family)
| Taxonomy |
Woodwardia virginica (L.) J.E. Smith
BLECHNACEAE (Chain-Fern Family)
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| Etymology | Woodwardia is named for the English botanist, Thomas Jenkinson Woodward (1745-1820); virginicum is Latin for from or of Virginia, in reference to The Virgin Queen, Elizabeth 1 of England (1533-1603). | |
| Synonyms (Common Name) | Eastern Chain-fern | |
| Description | A twice-cut -- or bipinnate -- medium-tall (to 4'), leathery fern, Virginia chain-fern grows from creeping rhizomes. It thrives in acidic, wet or muddy habitats. The shiny, dark, purplish-brown stalks and chainlike venation are distinguishing characteristics of Virginia chain-fern. | |
| Wetland indicator status | OBL | |
| Plant Height | 2-4 feet | |
| Leaves | Fronds alike: twice-cut, oblong to narrowly lanceolate, to 20" tall and 12" wide, broadest in the middle, with 15-20 pairs of alternate, upturned, pinnate leaflets (pinnae); leaflets with 15-20 pairs of ovate to oblong subleaflets (pinnules); midveins of pinnae and pinnules form chainlike pattern. | |
| Fruiting Period | June-August. | |
| Habitat | Swamps, fens, bogs, wet woods, acidic soils; often rooted in water. | |
| Range | Nova Scotia to Ontario and Michigan, south to Illinois, Florida and Texas. |