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Woodwardia fimbriata Sm.

Giant chain fern, Giant chainfern

Blechnaceae (Chain fern Family)

USDA Symbol: wofi

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The plume-like fronds, several per crown, of this giant chain fern may attain 8 ft. in length. The bipinnate frond segments are coarse and large, lacking the delicacy of smaller ferns, but persisting in excellent condition until new fronds have uncoiled. The chain of worm-like sori on the underside of the frond give the plant its name.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb , Fern
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Bipinnate
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

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

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , NV , OR , WA
Canada: BC
Native Distribution: S. B.C. to s. CA, mostly near the coast; irregularly inland to AZ & s. NV
Native Habitat: Springy & boggy places; stream banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist soils.
Conditions Comments: Old fronds of chain fern should be cut off as new ones occur. Sporelings are produced rather freely in wet areas. These may be transplanted when young.

Propagation

Description: Does well from spores.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Oregon Native Plant Nursery - Woodburn, OR

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:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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