Alpine Ladyfern
Athyrium americanum
brewbooks from near Seattle, USA
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Pteridophyta | - Ferns
- Family:
- Aspleniaceae
- Genus:
- Athyrium
- Species:
- Athyrium americanum
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 3-4 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Colors:
- Not Applicable
Native Range
United States: Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Yukon
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded, forested environments
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Collect spores and surface sow in sterilized flats filled with sterile, finely milled sphagnum peat moss. Water with distilled water and seal flats with clear plastic wrap. Place under 60 watt soft incandescent lights set at 12 hour per day illumination.
Establishment: Spore bearing fronds are collected in late August. Sporophytes are transplanted into 4.5" pots and 1 gallon containers. The species is circumboreal, occurring at mid to high montane elevations, often near timberline, in rocky slopes and stream borders.
Source: npn.rngr.net