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Tried and True Native Plant Selections
for the Mid-Atlantic
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Claytosmunda claytoniana* (Interrupted Fern)
The term “interrupted” in the common name of this native fern refers to the distinctive gap left in the middle of the fern blade when fertile leaflets wither and fall off mid-summer. This attractive, hemidimorphic fern, more common to western and northern portions of the Mid-Atlantic Region,** grows in moist woods, slopes and swamp edges.
* Formerly known as Osmunda claytoniana.
** It is native to DC. In DE, it is common in the Piedmont and uncommon in the Coastal Plain. It is scattered in MD and found throughout PA. In VA, it is common in the mountains, frequent in the Piedmont, and rare in the Coastal Plain. It is native to NoVA. You can view the VA counties in which it has been reported here.
Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants:
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets