Western Oakfern
Gymnocarpium dryopteris
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Pteridophyta | - Ferns
- Family:
- Aspleniaceae
- Genus:
- Gymnocarpium
- Species:
- Gymnocarpium dryopteris
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 1-2 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun, Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Colors:
- Not Applicable
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded forest floors
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Collect spores and surface sow in sterilized flats filled with sterile, finely milled peat moss moistened with distilled water. Seal flats with clear plastic wrap and place under 60 watt soft incandescent lights set at 12 hour per day illumination.
Establishment: The species is common in moist forests, streambanks, and wet cliffs from lowland to mid-montane elevations. Fertilization requires a thin film of distilled water over the surface of the prothalli.
Source: npn.rngr.net