Southern Grapefern

Description:

Grapeferns get their common name from the sporangia that are said to resemble a bunch of grapes. The leaves remain green over the winter. New leaves - usually only one per plant - appear in late spring through early summer; from about August through October, fertile fronds will emerge. This specimen was spotted in an area where other grape ferns, native orchids, and club moss colonies are also well-established - plants that all rely on mycorrhizal association for germination.

Habitat:

Distribution USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MD , MO , MS , NC , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV Found in moist forests, clearings and old fields.

Notes:

Spotted in Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park