Cystopteris bulbifera - Bulblet Fragile Fern

Sizes available: 2 quart

Basics: zones 4-8, 12-24" x 12-24", dappled to part to full shade, lime-y to neutral in humid and sheltered environments with good drainage.

Common names: Bulblet Fragile Fern, Bulblet Bladder Fern, Berry Bladder Fern

Family: Woodsiaceae (Go Botany)

Origin/Distribution: Newfoundland to Manitoba and Wisconsin, south to Georgia and Arkansas, native to Maine

Habitat: shaded rocky slopes, balds, ledges, ridges, crevices of cliffs, talus, mossy boulders, protected and humid environments

More: Great for a shady rock garden or woodland garden or that dream stumpery you've been cooking up. Lovely texture for a bouquet.

Why grow ferns besides your admiration for a plant that has been present on Earth for over 360 billion years? Ferns support wildlife by creating protective cover and shady, moist micro-habitats, in particular for small mammals and invertebrates. The fuzzy covering on emerging croziers is used by birds for nesting material. Ferns help prevent erosion and filter run-off. For the gardener they offer the gifts of graceful architecture and low-maintenance, textural beauty.

Source: Van Berkum

Image credit: overall form of the fern courtesy of Diderot, close up of bulbils on underside of frond courtesy of Richtid, both via Creative Commons through the North Carolina Extension Gardeners Plant Toolbox