Family: Aspleniaceae
Author: D.C.Eaton
Bibliography: II. 2. 91 HB. 48. NPfl. (1865)
Year: 1865
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Woodsia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Subarctic America to W. & WC. U.S.A.
Description
The Rocky Mountain Cliff Fern, scientifically known as Woodsia scopulina, is a rugged and resilient member of the Aspleniaceae family. Detailed and thoroughly documented by the botanist D.C. Eaton in the mid-19th century, this fern has etched its presence into the flora of North America with a unique grace.
Native to subarctic America and extending through the western and west-central regions of the United States, this hardy perennial thrives in the rocky, often inhospitable terrains that characterize its habitat. Adapted to the rigors of its environment, the Rocky Mountain Cliff Fern displays a robust structure that enables it to cling to cliff faces and rocky outcrops where many other plant species struggle to survive.
The fronds of Woodsia scopulina are typically delicate yet sturdy, exhibiting a finely divided pattern that is both aesthetically appealing and biologically advantageous for enduring the harsh conditions of its native range. Its capacity to grow in a seemingly sparse soil is a testament to its evolutionary adaptation, making it a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
First thoroughly recorded in the botanical literature in the pivotal year of 1865, under the citation II. 2. 91 HB. 48. NPfl., the Rocky Mountain Cliff Fern has since been a consistent point of reference for studies in fern biology and ecology. D.C. Eaton’s detailed observations have laid the groundwork for understanding the ecological significance and the adaptive strategies of this tenacious plant.
Common Names
En: Rocky mountain cliff fern, Rocky Mountain woodsia, Mountain woodsia, Mountain cliff fern, Mountain cliffbrake
Fr: Woodsie des rochers, Woodsia des rochers, Woodsie des falaises
: Rocky mountain woodsia
Synonyms
- Woodsiopsis scopulina ((D.C.Eaton) Shmakov)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Québec (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Feb 26, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 26, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 26, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2006 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 30, 2014 by EOL − podiceps (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Jul 2, 2006 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 2, 2006 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 30, 2014 by EOL − podiceps (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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17235160-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Woodsia scopulina D.C. Eaton)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5275079)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
