Common Name: Appalachian Filmy Fern

Family: Hymenophyllaceae

Description: This tiny fern has lacy, thin fronds that are almost translucent. They creep on a hairy rootstock. The spore cases are cuplike in appearance and have bristle. An evergreen type, this hardy fern requires almost constant moisture and grows well in shaded areas of woods that contain mossy rocks. Best propagated by division.

Distribution: al,ar,ga,il,in,ky,ms,nc,oh,sc,tn,va,wv