The Bladder Fern

Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh.
Scientific name:
Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh.
Common name:
Brittle Bladder Fern
Family:
Cystopteridaceae
Biological form:
Emicriptofita cespitosa

Characteristics

Habit: Small fern 10–25 cm tall, rarely up to 40 cm, with a short, slender, sub-erect rhizome covered with small scales. Stipe yellowish, darker at the base and extremely fragile. Fronds: Dense rosettes, deciduous, bright green in summer turning yellowish before drying; finely divided with pinnules varying from pinnatifid to fully divided. Reproductive structures: Small circular sori along the veins on the underside, protected by a hood-like indusium attached on one side. Sporulation: June–September.

Distribution and habitat

Chorological type: Cosmopolitan. Distribution in Italy: Common throughout all regions. Habitat: Moist, shaded rocky environments, old walls and fissures, up to 3000 m.

Etymology

Generic name (Cystopteris): From Greek kystis (bladder) and pteris (fern), referring to the shape of the indusium. Specific name (fragilis): Latin for fragile, referring to the delicate fronds.