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Broad Beech Fern

Broad Beech Fern Credit: S.Brinker

Broad Beech Fern Credit: S.Brinker

Phegopteris hexagonoptera

Species at Risk Status

Federal Government status: Special Concern

Provincial Government status: Special Concern

Description

  • Attractive fern with delicate, triangular-shaped fronds which can grow to a height of 50 cm or more.
  • Leaflet stems are not always opposite. The underside of the frond is faintly downy; short, scaly hairs can sometimes be found on the veins.
  • Has a creeping, scaly, slightly pulpy root.
  • Fronds appear towards the end of May.

Habitat

  • One known site in Muskoka – it prefers to grow in rich, moderately acidic soils, in deciduous forest such as maple-beech forests, where the soil is moist or wet.
  • Northern limit of range.

Threats

  • Logging operations and the mechanization of maple sugar operations can have negative effects.

Range Map

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