Rock polypody (Polypodium virginianum, Sp. Pl.: 1085 (1753))

Family: Polypodiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1085 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Polypodium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic America to U.S.A.

Description

The Rock polypody, scientifically known as Polypodium virginianum, is a fascinating and resilient fern belonging to the Polypodiaceae family. This hardy species is a remarkable testament to nature’s adaptability, thriving across a diverse geographical range from the cooler climes of Subarctic America to various regions within the United States.

Polypodium virginianum typically favors rocky substrates, which is reflected in its common name, Rock polypody. Its preference for such environments has equipped it with unique adaptive features that allow it to cling steadfastly to rocky outcrops, often in the most precarious and seemingly inhospitable places. This fern is well-suited to the rugged terrain where other plant species might struggle to survive.

Characterized by its intricate and delicate fronds, the Rock polypody presents an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The fronds of this fern are typically evergreen, contributing to its ability to maintain its presence as a verdant feature in its native habitats throughout the year. The leaves are pinnatifid, with a series of lobes that provide a feathery and fine-textured look, adding to its visual appeal.

First documented in 1753, Polypodium virginianum has a longstanding botanical history. Its formal classification was established in Carl Linnaeus’s seminal work Species Plantarum which laid the groundwork for modern botanical nomenclature. Linnaeus, often referred to simply as ‘L.’, was critical in the formal scientific recognition and naming of this species.

This fern not only plays a role in its ecological niche by stabilizing soil and preventing erosion in rocky terrains, but it also serves as an important component in the local ecosystems. It provides habitat and food for various forms of wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity and balance within its environments.

In cultivation and landscape gardening, the Rock polypody is valued for its hardiness and low maintenance. It is an excellent choice for adding greenery to rock gardens, shaded areas, or any location where a hardy ground cover is needed.

Overall, Polypodium virginianum, or Rock polypody, continues to be a subject of fascination and admiration for botanists, ecologists, and garden enthusiasts alike. Its resilience and beauty ensure that it remains a cherished plant both in the wild and in cultivated spaces.

Common Names

Eng: american wall fern, rock polypody, common polypody, common rock polypody, polypody fern, rockcap fern
Swe: virginsk stensöta
Fra: polypode de virginie, tripe de roche
En: Rock polypody, American wall fern, Wall Fern, Common polypody, Common rock polypody, Polypody fern, Rockcap fern
Ar: سرخس فرجينياني
Zh: 东北多足蕨
Fr: Polypode de Virginie, Tripe de roche
De: Engelsüß, Gemeiner Tüpfelfarn
Sv: Virginsk stensöta

Synonyms

• Polypodium vulgare f. marginale (Gilbert)
• Polypodium vulgare var. acuminatum (Gilbert)
• Polypodium vulgare f. hastatum (Gilbert)
• Polypodium virginianum f. deltoideum (Fernald)
• Polypodium vulgare f. elongatum (Jewell)
• Polypodium virginianum f. elongatum (Fernald)
• Polypodium virginianum f. subsimplex (Fernald)
• Polypodium vulgare var. alatomultifidum (Gilbert)
• Polypodium vinlandicum (Á.Löve & D.Löve)
• Polypodium virginianum f. chondroides (Fernald)
• Polypodium vulgare f. projectum (Fernald)
• Polypodium vulgare subsp. virginianum ((L.) Hultén)
• Polypodium virginianum f. acuminatum (Fernald)
• Polypodium virginianum f. alatomultifidum (Fernald)
• Polypodium vulgare f. rotundatum (Ridlon)
• Polypodium virginianum f. bipinnatifidum (Fernald)
• Polypodium vulgare f. biserratum (Millsp.)
• Polypodium vulgare f. brachypteron (Ridlon)
• Polypodium virginianum f. biserratum ((Millsp.) M.Broun)
• Polypodium virginianum f. brachypteron (Fernald)
• Polypodium virginianum f. cambricoides (F.W.Gray)
• Polypodium virginianum f. churchiae (Fernald)
• Polypodium vulgare var. deceptum (Maxon)
• Polypodium vulgare var. bifidomultifidum (Gilbert)
• Polypodium vulgare var. americanum (Hook.)
• Polypodium vulgare f. deltoideum (Gilbert)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alaska (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 8, 2020 by marlbobbins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2019 by Rädisch Helmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Yusuf Cendrawan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 20, 2021 by Oosaagi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2017 by Zachary Holderby (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Michel AMBROISE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2013 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 3, 2014 by EOL − roy pilcher (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 18, 2016 by EOL − jhafstad (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Oct 30, 2015 by EOL − Sarah Carline (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 18, 2016 by EOL − brionnap (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 18, 2016 by EOL − brionnap (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 7, 2010 by EOL − David Eickhoff (cc-by)

Taken Nov 28, 2015 by EOL − Noel Dodge (cc-by-nc)

© 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.

Fruit

Taken Jul 9, 2020 by Yannika Poirier-Martin (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 28, 2015 by EOL − Noel Dodge (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 25, 2013 by EOL − Sarah Carline (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 27, 2013 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5274950)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:207762-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Polypodium virginianum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth