Fern ID help please.

earthdragon64 · #1 (**permalink**) 21-05-2010, 10:37 AM

Walking along the Fairy Glen RSPB reserve near Rosemarkie on the Black Isle yesterday, I found this growing out of a crack in a rock, just below some Maidenhair Spleenwort.

I assumed it was another fern, but I can't find anything quite like it in my fern books, the nearest look-alike is Holly Fern, but it doesn't look quite right for that. I'm beginning to wonder if it is actually a fern, or just leaves of something not yet in flower.

Any ID help will be appreciated,

Regards, Audrey.

Johnny Redgate · #2 (**permalink**) 22-05-2010, 08:56 PM

I'd say that's Soft Shield-fern Polystichum setiferum - a young specimen (unlike me

)

John

Dorts · #3 (**permalink**) 13-06-2010, 08:30 AM

Only just come across this one.
I'd have to go for Green Spleenwort - Asplenium viride.
It has a green stem whereas Maidenhair Spleenwort has a black stem.

'Johnny Redgate' - I can't see Soft Sheild Fern anywhere.

Dorts · #4 (**permalink**) 13-06-2010, 08:34 AM

Just a thought - If you were anywhere near the sea you may have found Sea Spleenwort - Asplinium marinum. Very similar.

Johnny Redgate · #5 (**permalink**) 13-06-2010, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dorts

Only just come across this one.
I'd have to go for Green Spleenwort - Asplenium viride.
It has a green stem whereas Maidenhair Spleenwort has a black stem.

'Johnny Redgate' - I can't see Soft Sheild Fern anywhere.

Well perhaps you're right and positive IDs are often difficult from photos. I've had another look but it doesn't look like a spleenwort to me. I'd still go for young fronds of Soft Shield-fern as my best guess from the photo. Anyone else got any ideas?

earthdragon64 · #6 (**permalink**) 13-06-2010, 10:19 AM

Thanks for the replies, I'd forgotten about this thread so apolgies for not responding earlier.

I don't think it can be Green Spleenwort, there was a patch of Maidenhair Spleenwort growing just above it, which looked very different. It wsn't near the sea, so couldn't be Sea Spleenwort, but it didn't look like a Spleenwort anyway.

A young Soft Shield Fern looks plausible, however I'll probably go to the same site later in the year, so will be able to have another look and hopefully get some better photos and a positive ID.

Thanks again,

Audrey.

Dorts · #7 (**permalink**) 14-06-2010, 09:09 AM

'Johnny'
I wholeheartedly agree that giving an id from a photo is not always possible, particularly ferns!
A very eminent old botanist friend of mine said to me once, part jokingly, "you should never try to identify a fern until it's at least 5 years old!"

After another look at 'earthdragon's' fern, I agree that you could well be right, but if it is a youngster, then only time will tell.
Thanks

Dorts

JennyS · #8 (**permalink**) 14-06-2010, 09:18 AM

Quote:

A young Soft Shield Fern looks plausible, however I'll probably go to the same site later in the year, so will be able to have another look and hopefully get some better photos and a positive ID.

If you go back later for more photo's get a good, clear close-up of the spores on the underside of the fronds as these are vital for fern IDs.

earthdragon64 · #9 (**permalink**) 14-06-2010, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JennyS

If you go back later for more photo's get a good, clear close-up of the spores on the underside of the fronds as these are vital for fern IDs.

When I saw this originally, I couldn't clearly see any spores on the reverse at all, but I shall certainly look again if I get back to that site. Maybe they'll be obvious as it develops.