Plant
Interrupted Fern
Claytosmunda claytonianaAlso known as Clayton's Fern
Interrupted fern arches gracefully in vase-shaped clumps across moist, nutrient-rich woodland floors. Its name comes from the distinct dark fertile leaflets positioned right in the middle of green fronds, which drop off in midsummer to leave a characteristic gap. In autumn, the foliage transitions to a soft golden yellow before dying back for winter.
PerennialWoodlandDeciduous Fern
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthesis)
Predators
- White-tailed Deer
- Slugs
- Herbivorous Insects
ThreatsHabitat loss, invasive plant species competition
HabitatsMoist hardwood forests, stream banks, swamps, damp ravines
Life spanPerennial ( rhizome lives for decades)
Classification
- FamilyOsmundaceae
- SpeciesClaytosmunda claytoniana
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Identification: Look for missing or dark, withered pinnae in the middle of fertile fronds.
- Habitat Spotting: Scan moist, rich woods and damp slopes during spring and summer.
Competitor (c) Tom Norton, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tom Norton · cc-by
Frequent Companion (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Michael Newlon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael Newlon · cc-by
Close Relative E Wusk / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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