Marginal fern (Dryopteris marginalis, Manual: 632 (1848))

Family: Polypodiaceae

Author: (L.) A.Gray

Bibliography: Manual: 632 (1848)

Year: 1848

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Dryopteris

Vegetable: False

Observations: Greenland, Canada to U.S.A.

Description

Marginal fern, scientifically known as Dryopteris marginalis, is a resilient and visually striking species within the Polypodiaceae family. First detailed in botanical literature in 1848, this fern has long been recognized for its hardy nature and distinctive marginal sori.

Native to the cooler regions of North America, the marginal fern is commonly found across Greenland, extending through Canada and into various parts of the United States. It thrives in shaded, moist environments such as forest understories, rocky outcrops, and stream banks, where it forms lush green ground cover that persists year-round in some areas.

Characterized by its sturdy, dark green fronds that grow in a pleasing rosette pattern, the marginal fern is named for the position of its sori. These reproductive structures are situated near the margins of the leaflets, a feature that sets this fern apart from others and makes it easily identifiable. The fronds, which often appear leathery and lance-shaped, can grow up to 24 inches in length and are pinnate, with each leaflet presenting a slightly serrated edge.

Due to its adaptability and low maintenance requirements, Dryopteris marginalis is a popular choice for shade gardens and naturalized plantings. It not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of such areas but also contributes to soil stabilization and the overall biodiversity of its habitat.

Botanists and horticulturists have prized the marginal fern for its longevity and robustness, as well as its ability to withstand a variety of environmental conditions. Whether in the wild or cultivated spaces, Dryopteris marginalis stands as a splendid example of nature’s resilience and beauty.

Common Names

Eng: marginal fern, marginal wood fern, marginal woodfern, woodfern, leather wood fern, marginal shield fern
Fra: dryoptère à sores marginaux, dryoptéride marginale
En: Marginal fern, Marginal wood fern, Marginal woodfern, WOODFERN, Leather wood fern, Marginal shield fern
Fr: Dryoptère à sores marginaux, Dryoptéride marginale

Synonyms

• Thelypteris marginalis f. elegans ((J.Rob.) Weath.)
• Filix marginalis (Farw.)
• Filix marginalis var. bipinnatifida (Farw.)
• Dryopteris marginalis f. tripinnatifida (Weath.)
• Dryopteris marginalis f. traillae ((G.Lawson) Gruber)
• Dryopteris marginalis f. elegans ((J.Rob.) F.W.Gray)
• Dryopteris marginalis var. elegans ((J.Rob.) Carhart)
• Dryopteris marginalis f. davenportii (A.Prince ex Weath.)
• Aspidium marginale var. elegans (J.Rob.)
• Dryopteris marginalis f. churchiae (Leeds)
• Aspidium marginale f. davenportii (Eastman)
• Nephrodium marginale var. traillae ((G.Lawson) Gilbert)
• Nephrodium marginale f. tripinnatifidum (Clute)
• Nephrodium marginale var. distans (Waters)
• Nephrodium marginale var. elegans ((J.Rob.) Gilbert)
• Nephrodium marginale ((L.) Michx.)
• Nephrodium marginale f. bipinnatifidum (Clute)
• Aspidium marginale ((L.) Sw.)
• Nephrodium marginale f. davenportii (Floyd)
• Aspidium filix-mas var. marginale ((L.) Christ)
• Polypodium vulgare var. churchiae (Gilbert)
• Lastrea marginalis var. traillae (G.Lawson)
• Thelypteris marginalis f. churchiae ((Gilbert) Dole)
• Lastrea marginalis (C.Presl)
• Thelypteris marginalis ((L.) Nieuwl.)
• Thelypteris marginalis f. davenportii (L.B.Sm.)
• Nephrodium marginale var. umbilicatum (Desv.)
• Filix-mas marginalis (Farw.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (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.

Leaf

Taken Jul 11, 2019 by Bob Arnold (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2017 by Mason Hoffman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2020 by Peter Kottmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2022 by joel bideaux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2021 by Tina Liburdi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Christoph Zirwes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2015 by EOL − marystarkp (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Sep 2, 2014 by EOL − roy pilcher (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 26, 2014 by EOL − Kyle Jones (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 27, 2014 by EOL − Kyle Jones (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 25, 2014 by EOL − Greg Caspers (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 26, 2014 by EOL − roy pilcher (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Yvonne Pandke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Yvonne Pandke (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 26, 2013 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 6, 2014 by EOL − jacquelinemehos (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5275091)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30064660-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dryopteris marginalis (L.) A. Gray)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth