Ferns for ID please

pammosley · #1 (**permalink**) 13-09-2011, 02:31 PM

Hi folks, I`m after a bit of help with these ferns please. Both taken at Ranworth, Norfolk in July.
I think this is Royal Fern?

No ideas which this is, not sure if you will be abe to help from this photo

Many thanks for looking

Dorts · #2 (**permalink**) 24-10-2011, 10:34 PM

Sorry Pam, only just noticed your post.
1. is indeed Royal Fern - Osmunda regalis. At its best it can reach 2m. or more!
2. looks like some young fronds of Lady Fern - Athyrium filix-femina. Can often vary in appearance from place to place, but always has that lovely 'soft, fresh-green' look.
Dorts.

pammosley · #3 (**permalink**) 25-10-2011, 07:26 AM

Many thanks Dorts, I rely on you far too much

There are some lovely looking ferns out there & when you look closer you can see the differences between them. I`m still learning (will never stop!)

Dorts · #4 (**permalink**) 25-10-2011, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pammosley

Many thanks Dorts, I rely on you far too much

There are some lovely looking ferns out there & when you look closer you can see the differences between them. I`m still learning (will never stop!)

They can be a bit daunting at first, but well worth perservering with. I still struggle with some, especially when they are young.
I remember Francis Rose telling me not to attempt to ID a fern until it is over three years old. That's fine, but he didn't tell me how to tell when it had reached that age !!
Dorts.

treecreeper · #5 (**permalink**) 25-10-2011, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dorts

They can be a bit daunting at first, but well worth perservering with. I still struggle with some, especially when they are young.
I remember Francis Rose telling me not to attempt to ID a fern until it is over three years old. That's fine, but he didn't tell me how to tell when it had reached that age !!
Dorts.

I don't think he put that in his book (Grasses, Sedges, Rushes and Ferns)