Woodsia obtusa (Spreng.) Torr
Ayesha K. Johnson
Common Names: Blunt-lobed woodsia, blunt-lobed cliff -fern
(picture of W. obutusa) borrowed from UGA herbarium
SPECIES LIST DIVISION:
Pteridophyta
CLASS:Filicopsida
SUBCLASS:Polypodiiae
ORDER:Polypodiales
SUBORDER:Polypodiineae
FAMILY:Dryopteridaceae
TRIBE:Physematieae
GENUS:Woodsia
IDENTIFICATION:
The tiny W. obtusa, also called the blunt-lobed cliff fern, has lacy 3 to 6 inch fronds only one inch wide that are round-tipped, with white hairs above and below its pinnia. This makes it take on a silvery-grey color. The stalks are unjointed and stand 6 to 8 inches tall. The fronds are clustered and deciduous. The rhizome is compact with tan scales that have dark black streaks. The fronds stand erect. The thrive in shaded, wooded hillsides and woodlands, and they are often found on rocky ledges ans in crevices( Snyder and Bruce, 1986). The distribution of the W. obtusa are common throughout Eastern North America from Canada to Florida and Westward to Oklahoma and Kansas. They are sound throughout Georgia, especially in northern half( Small, 1938). This species was discovered in Pennsylvania ans described by Sprengel in 1804 as Polypoduim obtusum, but Torrey in 1840 transferred it to Woodsia, genus founded by Robert Brown in 1813. The plant is named for its blunt-lobed pinnae and where it is commonly found "cliffs"( Jones, 1987).
GEOGRAPHY TABLE
Woodsia obtusa (Spreng) Torr
AREA
STATUS
REFERENCES
N. AMERICA YES SMALL, 1938
E. NORTH AMERICA YES SMALL, 1938
S.E. UNITED STATES YES SMALL, 1938
SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN STATES YES SMALL, 1938
COASTAL PLAIN RARE McVAUGH & PRYOR , 1951
PIEDMONT YES McVAUGH & PRYOR, 1951
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS YES McVAUGH & PRYOR, 1951
GREAT SMOKEY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK YES McVAUGH & PRYOR, 1951
RIDGE AND VALLEY YES McVAUGH & PRYOR, 1951
CUMBERLAND PLATEAU YES SYNDER & BRUCE, 1986
CENTRAL ARCH YES SYNDER & BRUCE, 1986
GEORGIA YES SYNDER & BRUCE,1986
CLARKE COUNTY, GA YES PERSONAL OBS.
SAMıS FARM YES PERSONAL OBS.
OLD FIELD NO PERSONAL OBS.
WETLAND NO PERSONAL OBS.
WOODS MARGINAL PERSONAL OBS.
1-HECTARE PLOT UPLAND PERSONAL OBS
NATURAL HISTORY:
Woodsia obtusa are best grown in the outdoors and in shady areas. They grow among rocks in soils that are wet or moist. They also do well along masonry walls where in the mortar. Woodsia obtusa appear in very early in the spring. ( Jones, 1987).
HOW TO ENCOUNTER:
This species is very common in Georgia, but only in the northern area where there are more mountains and hills. It is plentiful at Sam's Farm, but you have to look deep into the woods ( so be where of ticks!!!). As you are walking through the woods, look for any big boulders or cliffs or rocky edges, there you will find the cute little fern just poking out among the rocks. For all of you rock gardeners, these ferns would love to make a home right among your rocks!
REFERENCES:
Frankel, Edward. 1981. Ferns, A Natural History. The Stephen Greene Press: Brattleboro, VT. pp 13.
Jones, David L. 1987. Encyclopedia of Ferns. Timber Press: Portland, OR. pp 3-20.
McVaugh, Rogers and Joesph H. Pryor.1951. Ferns of Georgia. The University of Georgia Press: Athens, GA pp 116,106.
Mickel, John T. 1994. Ferns: for American Gardens. Macmillian Publishing Co.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The indentification key is not readliy available for ferns because there is still so much
controversy over classification names and where they were first originated.