Description
Cystopteris – Bladder Fern –
There are about 20 species of deciduous, rhizomatous ferns, in this genus. They occur among calcareous rocks in temperate and subtropical areas. They produce very finely, divided, lance shaped or triangular fronds, usually pinnate or 2 to 4 pinnate to pinnatifid, arise from creeping or erect rhizomes, the sori protected by bladder shaped indusia, giving rise to the common name. Grow in a rock garden or shady fern border.
Grow in fertile, moist but well drained soil in partial shade. Shelter from wind. Divide rhizomes in spring.
Prone to leaf gall and rust.
C. bulbifera – This delicate, rosette forming fern from North America grows 12″ tall and 8″ wide. From erect rhizomes sprouts tufts of erect, lance shaped, 2 pinnate, pale green fronds, to 30″ long, with lance shaped to linear-oblong segments. Bulbils develop beneath the often red tinged mid ribs. Establishes quickly.
Zones 4-8
