Dryopteris filix-mas
Common Male Fern
Dryopteris filix-mas, Common Male Fern, is a robust species capable of growing on relatively dry and exposed places on moorland as well as at valley level. It is widespread in Britain.
Photograph detail
Slide 1: Dryopteris filix-mas, Common Male Fern. Immature sori on underside of frond, where spores are produced. June.
Slide 2: Dryopteris filix-mas, Common Male Fern. Mature sori on underside of frond, where spores are produced. July.
Slide 3: Dryopteris filix-mas, Common Male Fern. Spores. Photographed at x400, brightfield illumination. July.
Slide 4: Dryopteris filix-mas, Common Male Fern. Growing in limestone. Redmire Quarry. July.
Slide 5: Dryopteris filix-mas, Common Male Fern, growing with Ling Heather, Calluna vulgaris. Redmire Moor. June.
Slide 6: Dryopteris filix-mas, Common Male Fern, spring growth. West Wood. Redmire. May.
Slide 7: Dryopteris filix-mas, Common Male Fern. Frond. Redmire. June.