shield fern

noun

any of numerous ferns of the genera Dryopteris and Polystichum, having shield-shaped indusia.

shield fern

any temperate woodland fern of the genus Polystichum having shield-shaped flaps covering the spore-producing bodies: family Aspleniaceae

First recorded in 1805–15

The noble fronds of the Dilated Shield-fern are still in fairly good order, and Ceterach in rocky chinks is in fullest beauty.

The plant bears a family likeness to the Crested Shield Fern, but its conspicuously marginal fruit-dots identify it at sight.

This is a much larger and more showy plant than the Crested Shield Fern.

The Fragrant Shield Fern thrives in a colder climate than that chosen by many of its kinsmen.

The fronds of the Fragrant Shield Fern grow in a crown and the fertile ones fruit in great abundance.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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