Silver false spleenwort (Deparia acrostichoides, Ann. Carnegie Mus. 49: 177 (1980))

Family: Aspleniaceae

Author: (Sw.) M.Kato

Bibliography: Ann. Carnegie Mus. 49: 177 (1980)

Year: 1980

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Deparia

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Silver False Spleenwort, scientifically known as Deparia acrostichoides, is a fascinating fern that captures the essence of North American flora. This species belongs to the family Aspleniaceae, a family well-regarded for its diverse and resilient fern members.

First documented in a notable publication of the Annals of the Carnegie Museum in 1980 by M. Kato, the Silver False Spleenwort has since captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Its natural habitat stretches from Eastern Canada to North Carolina and extends throughout the eastern United States. This wide geographical range showcases the plant’s adaptability to various climates and environments.

Thriving in moist, shaded woodlands, Deparia acrostichoides is characterized by its delicate, lacy fronds that lend a silver sheen, especially when backlit by dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy. This unique appearance not only enhances the plant’s aesthetic appeal but also underscores its common name, Silver False Spleenwort.

As a member of the Aspleniaceae family, this fern shares familial traits such as a preference for shady, humid conditions, and a robust perennial nature. The plant plays a crucial role in the forest understorey, contributing to the ecosystem by providing ground cover that helps retain soil moisture and prevent erosion.

Understanding and appreciating the Silver False Spleenwort involves more than just admiring its beauty. It offers insights into the biodiversity of North America’s woodland ecosystems and underscores the importance of conserving these habitats. Whether observed in the wild or cultivated in shaded garden settings, Deparia acrostichoides remains an exquisite example of nature’s intricate design and resilience.

Common Names

Eng: silver false spleenwort, silvery spleenwort, silvery glade fern
Fra: athyrie fausse-thélyptère, athyrium fausse thélyptéride, déparie fausse-acrostiche, déparie faux-acrostic
En: Silver false spleenwort, Silvery-Spleenwort, Silvery spleenwort, Silvery glade fern
Fr: Athyrie fausse-thélyptère, Athyrium fausse thélyptéride, Déparie fausse-acrostiche, Déparie faux-acrostic

Synonyms

• Asplenium acrostichoides var. thelypteroides ((Michx.) Gilbert)
• Asplenium thelypteroides (Michx.)
• Asplenium acrostichoides (Sw.)
• Lunathyrium acrostichoides ((Sw.) Ching)
• Athyrium acrostichoides ((Sw.) Diels)
• Asplenium thelypteroides var. serratum (G.Lawson)
• Athyrium thelypterioides f. acrostichoides ((Sw.) Gilbert)
• Diplazium thelypteroides f. serratum ((G.Lawson) M.Broun)
• Diplazium thelypteroides f. cristatum (Neidorf)
• Trichomanes acrostichoides ((Sw.) Nieuwl.)
• Athyrium thelypterioides ((Michx.) Desv.)
• Diplazium acrostichoides ((Sw.) Butters)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (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)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

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

Taken Aug 24, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 3, 2013 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 22, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 14, 2015 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 11, 2015 by EOL − benconnorbarrie (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 15, 2015 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

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

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (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.

Bark

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2650986)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77978-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Deparia acrostichoides (Sw.) M. Kato)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth