Dryopteris austriaca
The fronds of the Broad Buckler Fern are deep green, are ovate-triangular in shape, and are 3-times pinnately divided. The stalks have dark-centred scales. The fronds are broader and longer than the Narrow Buckler Fern (Dryopteris carthusiana). Frond length up to 1m.
Spore ripening time July to September. Found in hedgerows, scrub, damp woodland, heathland, shady rock ledges and amongst rocks. A native species which is common and widespread throughout Britain.
Photographs of Broad Buckler Fern (Dryopteris austriaca), taken May and December 2012, local river, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2012. Camera used Nikon Coolpix P500.
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