Polystichum acrostichoides
| Polystichum acrostichoides | |
|---|---|
| |
| Photo taken by Gil Nelson | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Pteridophyta – Ferns |
| Class: | Filicopsida |
| Order: | Polypodiales |
| Family: | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus: | Polystichum |
| Species: | P. acrostichoides |
| Binomial name | |
| Polystichum acrostichoides (Michx.) Schott | |
| |
| Natural range of Polystichum acrostichoides from USDA NRCS Plants Database. | |
Common name: Christmas fern
Contents
Taxonomic notes
Synonyms: none
Varieties: Polystichum acrostichoides var. acrostichoides; P. acrostichoides var. lonchitoides Brook
Description
A description of Polystichum acrostichoides is provided in The Flora of North America.
Distribution
Dense colonies of P. acrostichoides tend to be dominant understory species in dense, mixed hardwood forests that are very shady and moist. [1] Associated species include Dryopteris ludoviciana, Thelypteris hexagonaptera, Athyrium felix-foemina, and Solidago flaccidifolia. [2]
Ecology
Habitat
In the Coastal Plain in Florida, P. acrostichoides can be found in hardwoods, gulches, deciduous woodlands, and mesic hammocks. [2] Associated species include trillium, Dryopteris ludoviciana, Thelypteris hexagonoptera, Athyrium, and Solidago flaccidifolia. [2] It exhibits no response to soil disturbance by improvement logging in Mississippi.[3]
Phenology
Flowers and fruits in February. [2]
Conservation and management
Cultivation and restoration
Photo Gallery
References and notes
- ↑ Carvell, K.L. 1980. The impact of silvicultural practices on the density, height, and composition of the understory - with special reference to wildlife habitat. West Virginia Forestry Notes 7:17-19.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Florida State University Robert K. Godfrey Herbarium database. URL: http://herbarium.bio.fsu.edu. Last accessed: July 2015. Collectors: Loran C. Anderson, R.K. Godfrey, Angus Gholson, Wilson Baker, William D. Reese. States and Counties: Florida: Gadsden, Leon, Walton. Compiled by Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy.
- ↑ McComb, W.C. and R.E. Noble. (1982). Response of Understory Vegetation to Improvement Cutting and Physiographic Site in Two Mid-South Forest Stands. Southern Appalachian Botanical Society 47(1):60-77.
