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Woodwardia fimbriata
Woodwardia fimbriata Sm.
Giant Chainfern, Giant Chain Fern
Blechnaceae (Chain fern Family)
Synonym(s): Woodwardia chamissoi
USDA Symbol: wofi
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
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.
From the Image Gallery
No images of this plant
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb , Fern
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Bipinnate
Size Notes: Fronds up to about 8 feet long.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not ApplicableBloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , NV , OR , WACanada: 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
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil 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.Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACW | FACW |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Woodwardia fimbriata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Woodwardia fimbriata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Woodwardia fimbriata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-06-12Research By: TWC Staff