Log Fern

Dryopteris celsa is a fertile allotetraploid derived from hybridization between D . goldiana and D . ludoviciana . Dryopteris celsa hybridizes with six species; hybrids can usually be identified by the dark-striped scales.

Leaves monomorphic, dying back in winter, 65--120 × 15--30 cm. Petiole 1/3 length of leaf, scaly at least at base; scales scattered, dark brown or tan with dark central stripe. Blade green, ovate-lanceolate, gradually tapering to tip, pinnate-pinnatifid, herbaceous, not glandular. Pinnae ± in plane of blade, lanceolate-ovate; basal pinnae linear-oblong, much reduced, basal pinnules longer than adjacent pinnules, basal basiscopic pinnule and basal acroscopic pinnule equal; pinnule margins crenately toothed. Sori midway between midvein and margin of segments. Indusia lacking glands. 2 n = 164.

Ala., Ark., Del., Ga., Ill., Ky., La., Md., Mich., Mo., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Pa., S.C., Tenn., Va., W.Va.

Seepage slopes, hammocks and logs in swamps, mostly on the Piedmont and Coastal Plain; 50--800m.

Dryopteris goldiana (Hooker ex Goldie) A. Gray subsp. celsa W. Palmer, Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 13: 65. 1899

Dryopteris celsa, the log fern, is a perennial fern in the family Dryopteridaceae. It naturally occurs on rotting logs and the rich soil of swamps and wet woodlands. Its native range includes the southeastern United States.