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Native Plant Database

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Phegopteris hexagonoptera (Broad beech fern)
Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Phegopteris hexagonoptera (Michx.) Fée

Broad beech fern, Broad beechfern

Thelypteridaceae (Maiden Fern Family)

Synonyms: Thelypteris hexagonoptera, Dryopteris hexagonoptera

USDA Symbol: PHHE11

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Fronds of the broad beech fern occur singly along a creeping rhizome and are 1-2 ft. long, twice-pinnate, and broadly triangular, holding a bright-green color throughout the entire growing season. The lowermost, two pinnae point downward. Along the rachis (the central axis found within the blade portion of the fern) is a conspicuous wing – an extension of the green, leafy material.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

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

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: ON , QC
Native Distribution: Que. & ME to Ont. & s.e. MN, s. to n. FL & TX
Native Habitat: Moist, undisturbed, hardwood forests
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, acid, humus-rich soil.
Conditions Comments: Broad beech fern spreads rapidly. It dies back in the winter and when it receives too much sun.

Propagation

Description: Propagate by spores or rhizome division.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Phegopteris hexagonoptera in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Phegopteris hexagonoptera in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Phegopteris hexagonoptera

Metadata

Record Modified: 2008-06-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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