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Cressler, Alan

Cystopteris bulbifera

Cystopteris bulbifera (L.) Bernh.

Bulblet Bladder Fern

Dryopteridaceae (Wood Fern Family)

Synonym(s): Filix bulbifera

USDA Symbol: CYBU3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

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.

From the Image Gallery

7 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb , Fern
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Size Notes: Fronds up to about 4 feet long.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Notes: Non-flowering, sporulating plant. Sporulates Jun - Sep.

Distribution

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

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.

Propagation

Description: Bulblets, borne on the underside of the pinnae, drop from the fronds and under favorable conditions quickly develop new plants. The slender, creeping rootstocks may be divided.
Commercially Avail: yes

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:	FAC		FAC		FAC	FACW		FACW	FACW	FAC

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2016-02-04
Research By: TWC Staff

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