An interesting aspect of ferns is how they use spores to reproduce. Spores are usually produced on the underside of the leaves in small bundles or dots called sori. The shape and arrangement of the sori often aid in identifying the type of fern. The sori appear brown at maturity when the bundles of spores open up, broadcasting them over the area. This begins the process of new fern growth.
Fern leaves mature from base to tip, many unrolling from a fiddlehead, or crosier a distinctive feature of ferns. Fiddleheads and fronds, the leafy part of the fern, along with the stipe, the stalk below the frond, grow out of the rhizome. Many times this rhizome is never seen as it is beneath the surface connecting many individual fronds.
Ferns grow in a variety of habitats in West Virginia. Normally needing moist and shady areas to grow ferns are hardy and can be found in habitats not necessarily appealing to their needs.
There are many varieties of ferns found in West Virginia, the following are a few of the more common ones in the state.
The Northern Maidenhair Fern can grow up to twenty-eight inches tall. The unique feature of this fern is the fact that it does not have the typical triangular shape. Instead the stipe branches out to form two arches that resemble a fan. This fern can be found in moist well-drained woods.
The New York Fern grows from twelve to twenty-four inches tall. The blades gradually taper to both ends. A way to remember this fern is to recall that New Yorkers burn the candle at both ends. This fern is found in moist woods and is very abundant.
The Christmas Fern grows from twelve to twenty-four inches tall and the blades run perpindicular to the stalk. A good way to identify the Christmas Fern is to note the shape of the individual blades, they really look like Christmas stockings. These ferns are abundant and found in moist woods.
There are many more ferns found in West Virginia. If you have a few hours walk into any woods and you will find a new world of beauty at your feet.
