Common Name: Fragile Fern

Family: Dryopteridaceae

Description: The erect fronds of this fern are widest in the center. They often die in the summer and grow back. Thin leaflets are widely spaced and once or twice divided. The hairless stalks can be easily broken and are dark near the base, green above. Spore cases are sparce. Grows in rocky areas but can be found in woodland soils.

Distribution: ak,az,ca,co,ct,ha,id,il,io,ka,me,ma,mi,mn,mt,
ne,nv,nh,nm,ny,nc,nd,or,pa,ri,sd,ut,vt,va,wa,wi,wy