Upland brittle bladderfern (Cystopteris tenuis, Mém. Soc. Linn. Paris 6(3): 263 (1827))

Family: Aspleniaceae

Author: (Michx.) Desv.

Bibliography: Mém. Soc. Linn. Paris 6(3): 263 (1827)

Year: 1827

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cystopteris

Vegetable: False

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

Description

The Upland brittle bladderfern, scientifically known as Cystopteris tenuis, is a delicate and adaptable fern native to eastern Canada and the United States. Described in the seminal work “Mémoires de la Société Linnéenne de Paris” in 1827 by the renowned botanist Michaux and subsequently classified by Desvaux, this species has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for nearly two centuries.

Belonging to the family Aspleniaceae, Cystopteris tenuis is characterized by its slender and brittle fronds that give it a distinct fragile appearance, belying its resilient nature. The leaflets are finely segmented, providing a delicate, airy texture that is both pleasing to the eye and functional in its natural habitat. This fern thrives in the rich, moist soil commonly found in wooded areas and rocky outcrops within its geographical range.

The Upland brittle bladderfern is a testament to nature’s ingenuity, demonstrating adaptability and endurance. Its ability to thrive in diverse environments from Canada down through the United States underscores its ecological versatility. Despite its seeming fragility, it plays a significant role in the ecosystem, often contributing to the biodiversity and stability of forest understories.

In summary, Cystopteris tenuis, or the Upland brittle bladderfern, is more than just a botanical specimen; it is a vital component of its native habitats, valued not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ecological importance within the Aspleniaceae family. Its enduring presence in botanical literature and ongoing study highlights its significance in the natural world.

Common Names

Eng: brittle bladderfern, upland brittle bladderfern, mackay’s brittle fern, mackay’s fern, mackay’s fragile fern, upland brittle bladder fern
Fra: cystoptère grêle, cystoptère ténue
En: Upland brittle bladderfern, Brittle bladderfern, Mackay’s brittle fern, Mackay’s fern, Mackay’s fragile fern, Upland brittle bladder fern
Fr: Cystoptère grêle, Cystoptère ténue

Synonyms

• Cystopteris fragilis var. mackayi (G.Lawson)
• Polypodium tenue (Hoffm.)
• Aspidium tenue ((Michx.) Sw.)
• Cystopteris fragilis var. tenuis ((Michx.) Farw.)
• Nephrodium tenue (Michx.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jul 25, 2009 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2016 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2016 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2650813)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17076880-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cystopteris tenuis (Michx.) Desv.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth