Ferns and Lycophytes of Minnesota

The Complete Guide to Species Identification

2023
Author:

Welby R. Smith
Photography by Richard W. Haug

The definitive field guide for understanding and identifying ferns and lycophytes in Minnesota

Ferns and Lycophytes of Minnesota is the first comprehensive presentation of these oldest of land plants in Minnesota. Created for natural resource professionals as well as avid gardeners, hikers, and naturalists at all levels, this easy-to-use reference enables the quick and reliable identification of each of the one hundred species of ferns and lycophytes that grow wild in Minnesota.

At last, a book that speaks for the ferns! These exquisite and secretive plants, flourishing even without flowers, have a language all their own, and there is no one better to interpret it for us than Minnesota’s state botanist Welby Smith. This beautifully illustrated and comprehensive guide makes the deep connections of Minnesota ferns accessible to the naturally curious.

George Weiblen, science director, Bell Museum, University of Minnesota

Rapid advances in DNA studies have given scientists new understandings of ferns and lycophytes, making books published only a decade ago now obsolete. Ferns and Lycophytes of Minnesota is the first comprehensive presentation of these oldest of land plants in Minnesota. Welby R. Smith, Minnesota state botanist, thoroughly developed this essential guide for anyone interested in learning about and identifying these ubiquitous plants that have fascinated people for centuries.

Found in forests, prairies, marshes, and lakes throughout the state, ferns and lycophytes are marvelously adaptive, allowing them to inhabit and thrive in unique ecological niches, including native plant gardens. Created for natural resource professionals as well as avid gardeners, hikers, and naturalists at all levels, this easy-to-use reference enables the quick and reliable identification of each of the one hundred species of ferns and lycophytes that grow wild in Minnesota.

Illustrated with more than four hundred original photographs, primarily by Richard W. Haug, this complete and up-to-date field guide includes information about how to distinguish closely related species as well as details about the ecology, distribution, and phenology of each species.

Welby R. Smith is state botanist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in St. Paul. His previous books include Trees and Shrubs of Minnesota, Native Orchids of Minnesota, and Sedges and Rushes of Minnesota, all published by the University of Minnesota Press.

Richard W. Haug has been a native plant enthusiast and photographer for forty years. His photographs have been featured in many publications, including Northland Wildflowers, Native Orchids of Minnesota, and Sedges and Rushes of Minnesota.

At last, a book that speaks for the ferns! These exquisite and secretive plants, flourishing even without flowers, have a language all their own, and there is no one better to interpret it for us than Minnesota’s state botanist Welby Smith. This beautifully illustrated and comprehensive guide makes the deep connections of Minnesota ferns accessible to the naturally curious.

George Weiblen, science director, Bell Museum, University of Minnesota

This book is a must have for any plant enthusiast.

Terrace Horticulture Books

CONTENTS

Preface vii

Acknowledgments ix

The Counties of Minnesota xi

Introduction xiii

Key to the Orders of Ferns and Lycophytes Found Growing Wild

in Minnesota xxiii

The Lycophyte Order Lycopodiales (Clubmosses, Firmosses, and

Ground-Cedars)

3

Genus Dendrolycopodium (Tree Clubmosses) 5

Genus Diphasiastrum (Ground-Cedars)

13

Genus Huperzia (Firmosses) 23

Genus Lycopodiella (Bog Clubmosses) 35

Genus Lycopodium (Clubmosses) 39

Genus Spinulum (Bristly Clubmosses) 45

The Lycophyte Order Isoetales (Quillworts)

Genus Isoetes (Quillworts) 51

The Lycophyte Order Selaginellales (Spikemosses)

Genus Selaginella (Spikemosses) 59

The Fern Order Equisetales (Horsetails and Scouring Rushes)

Genus Equisetum (Horsetails and Scouring Rushes) 65

The Fern Order Ophioglossales (Adder’s-Tongue

Ferns) 91

Genus Botrychium (Moonworts) 93

Genus Botrypus (Rattlesnake Fern) 131

Genus Ophioglossum (Adder’s-Tongue

Ferns) 135

Genus Sceptridium (Evergreen Grape-Ferns)

139

The Fern Order Osmundales (Royal Ferns) 149

Genus Claytosmunda (Interrupted Fern) 151

Genus Osmunda (Royal Ferns) 155

Genus Osmundastrum (Cinnamon Fern) 159

The Fern Order Salviniales (Water Ferns) 163

Genus Azolla (Mosquito Ferns) 165

Genus Marsilea (Water-Clovers)

169

The Fern Order Polypodiales (“True Ferns”) 173

Genus Adiantum (Maidenhair Ferns) 179

Genus Asplenium (Spleenworts) 183

Genus Athyrium (Lady Ferns) 191

Genus Cryptogramma (Rock-Brake

Ferns) 195

Genus Cystopteris (Bladder Ferns) 201

Genus Deparia (False Spleenworts) 215

Genus Dryopteris (Wood Ferns) 219

Genus Gymnocarpium (Oak Ferns) 239

Genus Homalosorus (Glade Fern) 247

Genus Matteuccia (Ostrich Fern) 251

Genus Myriopteris (Lip Ferns) 255

Genus Onoclea (Sensitive Fern) 259

Genus Pellaea (Cliffbrake Ferns) 263

Genus Phegopteris (Beech Ferns) 269

Genus Polypodium (Polypody Ferns) 275

Genus Polystichum (Holly Ferns) 279

Genus Pteridium (Bracken Ferns) 285

Genus Thelypteris (Marsh Ferns) 289

Genus Woodsia (Cliff Ferns) 293

Glossary 309

Bibliography 315

Index 319