Cystopteris fragilis – Brittle Fern – Bladder Fern –

Description

Cystopteris – Bladder Fern – There are about 20 species of deciduous, rhizomatous ferns, in this genus. They occur among calcareous rocks in temperate and subtropical areas. They produce very finely, divided, lance shaped or triangular fronds, usually pinnate or 2 to 4 pinnate to pinnatifid, arise from creeping or erect rhizomes, the sori protected by bladder shaped indusia, giving rise to the common name. Grow in a rock garden or shady fern border. Grow in fertile, moist but well drained soil in partial shade. Shelter from wind. Divide rhizomes in spring. Prone to leaf gall and rust. C. fragilis – Brittle Fern – This clump forming fern from Northern temperate areas grows 8″ tall and wide. From erect rhizomes sprouts tufts of lance shaped, 2 or 3 pinnate, pale gray-green fronds, 6-18″ long, with oblong-lance shaped segments, sharply pointed at the fronds tip, frond segments do not overlap. Zones 4-8