filixfemina

Filix-femina, commonly known as the lady fern, is a fern species in the family Athyriaceae. In current taxonomy it is placed as Athyrium filix-femina; Filix-femina is a historic synonym. The epithet filix-femina means “female fern” in Latin.

It is a deciduous perennial with delicate, lacy fronds that typically reach 60–150 cm in height. Fronds are bright green, finely divided, and borne on brownish stalks. The young fronds unfold from circinate vernation, commonly referred to as fiddleheads, which unfurl into the characteristic fronds.

Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, Filix-femina is widely cultivated and naturalized in temperate regions elsewhere. It thrives in woodlands, damp woodland edges, and along streams, preferring moist, fertile soils and partial to full shade. It is relatively tolerant of a range of moisture levels when established.

Reproduction occurs via spores produced in sori on the undersides of the fronds. Sori are often arranged in two rows along each vein and are protected by a thin membrane called an indusium, or by rolled leaf margins (false indusia). Spores germinate to form a free-living gametophyte (prothallus); fertilization requires water to facilitate the movement of sperm to the archegonia.

Cultivation and uses: The lady fern is a popular ornamental plant for shade gardens and woodland settings. It tolerates a range of soil types provided moisture is consistent and the site is sheltered. Propagation is by division of the rhizomes or by spores.