Netted Chainfern

Description:

This fern has both sterile and fertile fronds. The sterile fronds have wide pinnae that are fused at the winged rachis. The pinnae alternate along the rachis. The veins within the pinnae are conspicuously netted (see line drawing below). Fertile fronds are taller and emerge in late summer. Their pinnae are linear, alternate and widely spaced. The sori fill the underside of the pinnae and are arranged in long chains. The rhizome is long-creeping and branching.

Habitat:

Southeastern North America, especially coastal areas. It is one of the most widespread ferns in Georgia, with good distribution throughout the state. Wet to moderately dry soils. Also found in acidic soils of swampy woods, along streams, or near wet, shaded rocks. Being an avid colonizer of acid mine seeps in the eastern United States, one of the few plants to benefit from acid mine drainage. (It's interesting to point out that this area was historically strip mined very heavily and is near Iron Hill and Cooper's Furnace.)

Notes:

Spotted along the trail at the Allatoona Pass Battlefield.