Native Plant Database

Cystopteris bulbifera (L.) Bernh.

Bulblet bladder fern, Bulblet bladderfern

Dryopteridaceae (Wood Indies-Almond Family)

This is a graceful, rock-loving fern with long (to 48 in.), slender, recumbent, light-green fronds which taper to a point. Bulblets, which form on the undersides of the fronds, begin as microscopic dots, eventually growing to 1/2 in., by which time they are producing delicate young fronds of their own.

No images of this plant

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb , Fern
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Bloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores June-September.

Distribution

USA: AL , AZ , AR , CT , DE , GA , IL , IN , IA , KY , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MO , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , VT , VA , WV , WI
Canada: NB , NL , NS , ON
Native Distribution: Nf. to Man., s. to GA, AR & AZ
Native Habitat: Moist, shaded ledges; cliffs; dry, rocky slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Soil Description: Slightly basic, moist, humus-rich soil.
Conditions Comments: A suitable location may be prepared for this species by burying numerous limestone fragments in nearly neutral, humus-rich soil in low, moist, heavily shaded areas. This is a very fast growing fern.

Last Update: 2007-01-01