Small ferns whose clustered bi- or tri-pinnate fronds have two distinct intermixed forms: fertile fronds taller with linear to oblong pinnae. Rolled margins form a continuous marginal indusium. Sterile fronds are shorter with ovate pinnae, notched or cut along the margins. Sori on backs of free veins, running together and covering under side of segment.

PARSLEY FERN

Cryptogramma crispa var. acrostichoides (R. Br.) Clarke (Fig. 22, 23)

C. acrostichoides

Plants 2 to 9 inches high, the fertile fronds taller than the sterile ones. On sterile branches a narrow wing follows from the flat pinna down the stalk, the wing usually absent in the fertile stalk, or scarcely winged.

American Rock Brake is another common name for this species. Distributed from 5,000 to 10,000 feet elevation, more common in the higher elevations, in cracks of granite rock. Known from Alaska, Labrador, around the Great Lakes, and in Nebraska and New Mexico. It may be observed above Tenaya Lake, along trails leading out of Tuolumne Meadows and on Sentinel Dome in Yosemite.

Fig. 22 PARSLEY FERN (Cryptogramma crispa var. acrostichoides)

[click to enlarge]

Fig. 22 Far right: PARSLEY FERN (Cryptogramma crispa var. acrostichoides). The taller fertile fronds with narrow pinnae contrast to the shorter sterile fronds. Fern is growing in decomposed granite.

[click to enlarge]

Fig. 23 PARSLEY FERN (Cryprtogramma crispa var. acrostichoides). Left: A fertile frond, usually projecting several inches above the sterile frond, as seen on the right.

Next: Cystopteris • Contents • Previous: Cheilanthes