Bladder Fern
Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh.
Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh., known as Bladder Fern, is a perennial fern in the family Cystopteridaceae. It is distributed across North America, including regions like Greenland, Labrador, and various Canadian provinces, as well as parts of South America and Flanders. The species was first published in 1805. Historical taxonomic discussions clarify that the name P. filix-fragile L. (1753) is to be treated as P. fragile in accordance with the nomenclatural rules.
Description
Cystopteris fragilis is a widely distributed fern species, typically found in shady, moist habitats. It is recognized by its delicate fronds and is commonly referred to as Bladder Fern. The nomenclatural history of the species includes clarification regarding the correct application of the name P. filix-fragile, which is now treated as P. fragile. Earlier misinterpretations of the type specimen have been corrected, confirming that the original material was in Linnaeus' possession before 1753. This fern is part of the Cystopteridaceae family and is known for its brittle fronds.
Other common names
Bladder FernBrittle Bladder FernBrittle Bladder-FernBrittle BladderfernBrittle FernCommon Fragile FernFragile Bladder FernFragile FernNorthern Fragile Fern
Distribution
Greenland · Labrador · Newfoundland · Alberta · British Columbia · Manitoba · New Brunswick · Nova Scotia · Northwest Territories · Nunavut · Ontario · Prince Edward Island · Quebec · Saskatchewan · Yukon · Saint Pierre and Miquelon · SFF Iguaque | Parque Nacional Natural Cocuy | Parque Nacional Natural Puracé | Parque Nacional Natural Sierra de la Macarena | Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz · TW · Piedecuesta | Vetas · Flanders · SE · Vermont-US · Tasco · Cerinza · Monguí · IS · Antioquia, Arauca, Boyacá, Caldas, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Huila, Magdalena, Meta, Nariño, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Risaralda, Santander, Tolima · NO · DK · GL
Synonyms
Cystopteris fragilis f. fragilisAspidium fragile var. fumarioidesCystopteris fragilis var. genuinaCystopteris fragilis f. anthriscifoliaCystopteris fragilis f. cynapifoliaCystopteris fragilis f. angustataCystopteris fragilis var. baenitziiCystopteris filix-fragilis