Leather Wood Fern

Dryopteris marginalis (L.) A.Gray

Dryopteris marginalis (L.) A.Gray, known as Leather Wood Fern, is a perennial fern in the Dryopteridaceae family. It is native to eastern North America, ranging from Greenland and Newfoundland to Texas and Minnesota. The plant thrives in damp, shady areas, particularly on north-facing rock faces in warmer regions. It prefers moderately acidic to circumneutral soils and is drought-resistant once established. The species is named for its sori, which are located on the margins of the leaflets.

Description

Dryopteris marginalis is a member of the Dryopteridaceae family and is found in a wide range of habitats, including rocky slopes, stream banks, and high ledges. It is commonly distributed across regions such as Newfoundland, British Columbia, and the eastern United States. The fern is adapted to cooler climates and can be found at various altitudes. Its distinguishing feature is the placement of sori on the leaflet edges, which gives it the name marginal wood fern.

Other common names

Leather Wood FernMarginal FernMarginal Shield FernMarginal Wood FernMarginal WoodfernWoodfern

Distribution

Greenland · Newfoundland · British Columbia · New Brunswick · Nova Scotia · Ontario · Prince Edward Island · Quebec · Vermont-US · NO · Alabama · Arkansas · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Georgia · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · New Hampshire · New Jersey