Common ladyfern (Athyrium filix-femina, Tent. Fl. Germ. 3(1.1): 65 (1799))

Family: Aspleniaceae

Author: (L.) Roth

Bibliography: Tent. Fl. Germ. 3(1.1): 65 (1799)

Year: 1799

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Athyrium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, NW. Africa, Europe to Mongolia, W. & WC. U.S.A.

Description

The Common ladyfern, scientifically known as Athyrium filix-femina, is a graceful and widespread fern species that graces various regions across the globe. Recognized by its delicate, feathery fronds, this plant is a true representative of natural elegance within the family Aspleniaceae.

Originally described in the literature of botanical taxonomy in 1799, with the formal citation appearing in “Tent. Fl. Germ.” 3(1.1): 65, the Common ladyfern has been subject to numerous botanical studies and classification updates. It bears the authorial attribution to (L.) Roth, identifying its scientific naming lineage.

The Common ladyfern flourishes in a broad spectrum of habitats, showcasing its adaptability and robustness. Observations confirm its wide distribution from Macaronesia, spanning the northwestern parts of Africa, through Europe and extending as far east as Mongolia. Additionally, it has established a strong presence in the western and west-central regions of the United States. This geographical spread highlights the plant’s remarkable capacity to adapt to diverse climatic and ecological environments.

Ecologically, Athyrium filix-femina is often found in moist, shaded forests, along stream banks, and in other damp environments where its roots can benefit from consistent moisture. The fern’s fronds typically grow in a rosette pattern, exhibiting a rich green hue, which contributes to its popularity in ornamental gardening and natural landscaping projects.

Despite its delicate appearance, the Common ladyfern is relatively hardy, making it a favorite among horticulturists and plant enthusiasts. Its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions and its decorative fronds add aesthetic value to gardens and natural settings alike.

In conclusion, the Common ladyfern is not just a plant of significant botanical interest but also a versatile and attractive addition to diverse landscapes around the world. With its widespread natural habitats and ornamental appeal, Athyrium filix-femina embodies both the elegance of the wild and the adaptability necessary for survival across a vast range of conditions.

Common Names

Eng: common ladyfern, lady-fern, ladyfern, subarctic ladyfern, lady fern
Dan: fjerbregne
Deu: gewöhnlicher frauenfarn, wald-frauenfarn, waldfrauenfarn
Fra: fougère femelle
Nor: fugleblom, teisk, troldblom, troldjeske, troldmolfoer
Swe: majbräken, soreahiirenporras
Nob: skogburkne
Nno: skogburkne
Fin: soreahiirenporras
Nld: wijfjesvaren
Cym: marchredynen fenyw, rhedyn benyw, rhedyn mair, rhedynen fair
En: Common ladyfern, Lady-fern, Ladyfern, Subarctic ladyfern, Lady fern
Ca: Falguera femella
Cs: Papratka samičí
Da: Fjerbregne
Nl: Wijfjesvaren
Fi: Soreahiirenporras
Fr: Fougère femelle, Polypode femelle
De: Gewöhnlicher Frauenfarn, Wald-Frauenfarn, Waldfrauenfarn, Frauenfarn, Gemeiner Waldfarn, Weiblicher Waldfarn
It: Felce femmina
No: Fugleblom, Teisk, Troldblom, Troldjeske, Troldmolfoer
Nb: Skogburkne
Nn: Skogburkne
Sk: Papradka samičia
Es: Helecho hembra
Sv: Majbräken, Soreahiirenporras
Cy: Marchredynen Fenyw, Rhedyn Benyw, Rhedyn Mair, Rhedynen Fair

Synonyms

• Polypodium filix-femina (L.)
• Cyathea filix-femina ((L.) Bertol.)
• Cystopteris filix-femina ((L.) Coss. & Germ.)
• Aspidium filix-femina ((L.) Sw.)
• Nephrodium filix-femina ((L.) Michx.)
• Tectaria filix-femina ((L.) Cav.)
• Athyrium laetum (Gray)
• Lastrea filix-femina ((L.) Colomb)
• Asplenium filix-femina ((L.) Bernh.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• California (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Chita (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Føroyar (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Iran (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Utah (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Aug 11, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2019 by Engel Ralf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Gaël GICQUIAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 27, 2018 by cajna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2018 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2017 by jerome jourdois (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2017 by Jaume Dalmau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2017 by Mason Hoffman (cc-by-sa)

© 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 17, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Krzysztof Golucki (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2019 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 7, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2009 by EOL − Jan Ševčík (public)

Taken Jun 7, 2020 by nicolas pecqueux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2022 by Eliott Guillaume (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by selber pflanzen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2021 by Joan Francesc (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2021 by Sande Luis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2019 by Needs Bethan (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 13, 2019 by charline pelissier (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2019 by Karlheinz Roch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2019 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2019 by just a biologist Alex Prk (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5275044)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30055316-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth)

Specifications

Growth form: Rhizomatous

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 3

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Soil nutriments: 6