Dark Light
New York Fern
Thelypteris noveboracensis

This fern can be confused with Hayscented fern, however Hayscented fern has a triangle-shaped frond that is broadest at the base, as compared to New York Fern that is tapered at the base.

“New York Fern has a tendency to form large, dense colonies that can reduce the diversity of woodland herbs and inhibit the establishment of woody plants.”

It is very pretty though!

Size:  1'-2' tall about 6" wide
Family: Thelypteridaceae (Marsh Fern Family)
Habitat: Rich moist forests, and along streams, especially in acidic cove forests, red oak and hickory forests. 
Identification: "Tapered almost equally at the tip and the base from a slender, creeping rootstalk. Spore clusters small, circular, near margin of lobes on undersides of leaves." From Wildflowers & Plant Communities.
All text and photos copyright © 2022 Middle Way Nature Reserve, unless noted.
Related Posts
snakeskin liverwort detail

Snakeskin Liverwort

In medieval times those that ascribed to the Doctrine of Signatures thought the liver-shape of this plant meant it was useful in treating liver ailments. It's not. But it's still cool.
Ebony Spleenwort Leaves

Ebony Spleenwort

When I first identified this lil' guy, I was surprised and giddy to hear that it was something called a "spleenwort," rather than a fern.
Princess Pine Plant

Princess Pine

Often confused with Running Cedar, this clubmoss is flat-branched, and is also called "Ground Pine" due to its resemblance to a tiny pine tree.