Family: Aspleniaceae
Author: Newm.
Bibliography: Phytologist 4( app. XXIV): 371 (1851)
Year: 1851
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Gymnocarpium
Vegetable: False
Observations: Temp. Northern Hemisphere
Description
Scented oakfern, scientifically known as Gymnocarpium robertianum, is a species of fern that belongs to the family Aspleniaceae. Noted for its delicate and intricate foliage, the scented oakfern stands out not just for its beauty but also for its unique aromatic properties.
Originating from temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, this resilient fern is a charming component of many forest ecosystems. Its presence is typically marked in the cool, shaded undergrowth of woodlands where it thrives in the moist, acidic soil conditions. The fern’s ability to adapt to such specific ecological niches underscores its importance in the biodiversity of these environments.
The name “oakfern” is derived from its leaf shape, which somewhat resembles the lobes of an oak leaf. Unlike many other ferns, Gymnocarpium robertianum emits a pleasant fragrance, adding to its uniqueness and providing an additional sensory element to the natural spaces it inhabits. This characteristic scent makes it an appealing species for those who appreciate the more subtle aspects of plant life.
This fern was first described in the botanical literature in 1851, as noted in “Phytologist” (Volume 4, appendix XXIV, page 371), with the description attributed to the botanist Newm. The year of description marks over a century and a half of recognition in the scientific community, highlighting the enduring interest and study this plant has inspired.
The scented oakfern’s delicate fronds, typically ranging in a soft green hue, create an intricate tapestry on the forest floor. These fronds add a textural richness to their environment, contributing both aesthetically and ecologically, offering shelter and habitat for numerous small forest creatures and contributing to the complex interdependence of forest flora and fauna.
Given its specific adaption to temperate climates, the Gymnocarpium robertianum is an excellent indicator species for the environmental health of woodland areas. Its thriving presence generally points to a well-balanced ecosystem with optimal conditions for moisture and shade.
To conclude, the scented oakfern is more than just a plant; it is a symbol of the subtle harmonies of the woodlands. Its intricate beauty, pleasant aroma, and ecological significance make it an invaluable asset to the natural environment of the Northern Hemisphere, echoing the delicate balance of nature that sustains it.
Common Names
Lav: roberta ozolpaparde
Deu: ruprechtsfarn
Eng: scented oakfern, limestone fern, limestone oakfern, limestone oak fern, limestone polypody, robert’s oak fern, northern oak fern, scented oak fern
Fra: gymnocarpe de robert, lastrée du calcaire, polypode de robert, polypode du calcaire
Nld: rechte driehoeksvaren
Sme: gálkagáiski
Swe: kalkbräken
Cym: llawredynen calchen, llawredynen y calchfaen, llawredynen y cerrig calch, rhedynen y calchfaen
En: Scented oakfern, Limestone Fern, Limestone Oak Fern, Limestone oakfern, Limestone Polypody, Robert’s oak fern, Northern oak fern, Scented oak fern
Be: Галакучнік Роберта
Bg: Варовит гимнокарпиум
Zh: 密腺羽节蕨
Cs: Bukovník vápencový
Nl: Rechte driehoeksvaren
Et: Paas-kolmissõnajalg
Fi: Kalkki-imarre
Fr: Lastrée du calcaire, Gymnocarpe de Robert, Polypode de Robert, Polypode du calcaire, Gymnocarpium de Robert, Gymnocarpium herbe-à-Robert
De: Ruprechtsfarn, Ruprechts-Eichenfarn
Hu: Mirigyes tölgyespáfrány
Ga: Raithneach aolchloiche
It: Felce del calcare
Lv: Roberta ozolpaparde
Se: Gálkagáiski
No: Kalktelg
Pl: Cienistka Roberta
Ru: Голокучник Робертов
Sv: Kalkbräken
Cy: Rhedynen y calchfaen, Llawredynen Calchen, Llawredynen y Calchfaen, Llawredynen y Cerrig Calch
Synonyms
- Aspidium robertianum ((Hoffm.) Luerss.)
- Currania robertiana ((Hoffm.) Wherry)
- Carpogymnia dryopteris var. pumila ((DC.) B.Boivin)
- Carpogymnia robertiana ((Hoffm.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
- Gymnocarpium dryopteris var. pumilum ((DC.) B.Boivin)
- Gymnocarpium obtusifolium ((Schrank) O.Schwarz)
- Nephrodium robertianum ((Hoffm.) Prantl)
- Gymnocarpium altaycum (Chang Y.Yang)
- Polypodium dryopteris subsp. robertianum ((Hoffm.) Hartm.)
- Lastrea calcarea ((Sm.) Bory)
- Thelypteris robertiana ((Hoffm.) Sloss.)
- Phegopteris calcarea ((Sm.) Fée)
- Polypodium calcareum (Sm.)
- Lastrea obtusifolia ((Schrank) Janch.)
- Phegopteris dryopteris var. robertiana ((Hoffm.) Davenp.)
- Phegopteris robertiana ((Hoffm.) Fée)
- Dryopteris disjuncta subsp. calcarea ((Sm.) Rouy)
- Polypodium dryopteris var. calcareum (Wahlenb.)
- Polypodium robertianum (Hoffm.)
- Dryopteris robertiana ((Hoffm.) C.Chr.)
- Polypodium obtusifolium (Schrank)
- Polypodium phegopteris var. calcareum ((Sm.) Lej.)
- Polypodium phegopteris var. robertianum ((Hoffm.) Lej.)
- Lastrea robertiana ((Hoffm.) Newn.)
- Phegopteris dryopteris subsp. calcarea ((Sm.) Bonnier & Layens)
- Phegopteris dryopteris subsp. robertiana ((Hoffm.) Hensl.)
- Polypodium dryopteris var. pumilum (DC.)
- Lastrea dryopteris var. robertiana ((Hoffm.) Lawalrée)
- Polypodium dryopteris var. robertianum ((Hoffm.) Ledeb.)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Altay (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Italy (native)
- Japan (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Krym (native)
- Labrador (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Norway (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Poland (native)
- Qinghai (native)
- Québec (native)
- Romania (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Aug 16, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Michel Pansiot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Michel Pansiot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 13, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2019 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-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.
Leaf
Taken Jun 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2019 by Nature Explorer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2018 by François Munoz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 26, 2020 by Julie Debeuré (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 13, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 10, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Christoph Stoll (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2020 by Justus Müller-Kiefer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2650841)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17112130-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gymnocarpium robertianum (Hoffm.) Newman)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb
Growth
Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]