Clinton’s woodfern (Dryopteris clintoniana, 1: 64 (1906))

Family: Polypodiaceae

Author: Dowell

Bibliography: 1: 64 (1906)

Year: 1906

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Dryopteris

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Clinton’s woodfern, scientifically named Dryopteris clintoniana, is a remarkable species belonging to the Polypodiaceae family. First described in detail by Dowell in 1906, this fern has since fascinated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike due to its intriguing characteristics and widespread habitat.

This robust fern is native to various regions across Eastern Canada, North Carolina, and the eastern United States. Its ability to thrive in these diverse locations speaks to its adaptability and resilience in different environmental conditions. As a woodland plant, Clinton’s woodfern finds its niche in shaded and moist habitats, often forming lush green carpets under the canopy of forests.

The defining features of Dryopteris clintoniana include its elegant, bipinnate fronds that can grow quite sizable, contributing to the fern’s overall dense foliage. These fronds are typically dark green and have a leathery texture, seamlessly blending with the forest floor’s verdant tapestry. The finely divided leaves of Clinton’s woodfern are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve an essential role in the plant’s reproductive cycle, housing sporangia that disseminate spores for propagation.

Clinton’s woodfern holds ecological importance in its natural habitat. By providing ground cover, it helps in soil retention and prevents erosion, while simultaneously offering shelter and habitat for small forest creatures. Furthermore, this fern is part of a larger ecosystem, interacting symbiotically with other plant species and contributing to the overall biodiversity of its native regions.

Overall, Dryopteris clintoniana is more than just a component of the understory flora; it is a vital part of the ecological framework that sustains forest health and diversity.ewis

Common Names

Eng: clinton’s woodfern, clinton’s wood fern, clinton’s fern, clinton’s shield fern
Fra: dryoptère de clinton
En: Clinton’s woodfern, Clinton’s wood fern, Clinton woodfern, Clinton’s fern, Clinton’s shield fern
Fr: Dryoptère de Clinton

Synonyms

• Thelypteris clintoniana ((D.C.Eaton) House)
• Dryopteris cristata var. clintoniana ((D.C.Eaton) Underw.)
• Filix cristata var. clintoniana ((D.C.Eaton) Farw.)
• Dryopteris clintoniana var. genuina (Wherry)
• Filix-mas cristata var. clintoniana ((D.C.Eaton) Farw.)
• Dryopteris poyseri (Wherry)
• Nephrodium cristatum var. clintonianum ((D.C.Eaton) Gilbert)
• Aspidium cristatum var. clintonianum (D.C.Eaton)
• Thelypteris cristata var. clintoniana ((D.C.Eaton) Weath.)

Distribution

• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Sep 16, 2013 by EOL − Christopher Tracey (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5275098)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:84632-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dryopteris clintoniana (D.C. Eaton) Dowell)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth