Plant Guide > Ferns > Mountain Bladder Fern

Mountain Bladder Fern

MOUNTAIN BLADDER FERN

CYSTOPTERIS MONTANA

Synonyms:
Cystopteris myrrhidifolium
Polypodium montanum
Aspidium montanum

The Mountain Bladder Fern grows from four to eight inches high. The root is creeping. The fronds grow simply, and are triangular bipinnate; the pinnae of the lowest pair being much larger and more divided than the others. The whole plant greatly resembles the Oak Polypody, only it is of a much more delicate texture. The sori are numerous and circular, very conspicuous when fully grown, and, though crowded, do not run into masses.

This rare species of fern occurs wild only in Great Britain, although it is found in rough and stony places in several parts of the continent of Europe, and in America.

It was first found by Mr. Wilson on Ben Lawers, in Forfarshire, in 1836; and has since been established by other botanists as a truly British species, though rarely to be found.

Little can be said about the artificial treatment of this fern, as it does not appear to have thriven well where it has been tried. Its natural condition, however, would suggest a very open medium for the roots, which thread their way through dripping rocks and constantly abundant though not stagnant moisture.