walking fern

American  

noun

1. a fern, Camptosorus rhizophyllus, having simple, triangular fronds tapering into a prolongation that bends at the top and often takes root at the apex.

---

walking fern British  

noun

1. a North American fern, Camptosorus rhizophyllus, having sword-shaped fronds, the tips of which take root when in contact with the ground: family Aspleniaceae

---

Etymology

Origin of walking fern

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Resembles the walking fern, and its tip sometimes takes root.

From The Fern Lover's Companion A Guide for the Northeastern States and Canada by Tilton, George Henry

People oftentimes travel far to see curious plants like the carnivorous darlingtonia, the fly-catcher, the walking fern, etc.

From Steep Trails California, Utah, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, the Grand Canyon by Muir, John

No one ever found the walking fern who did not have the walking fern in his mind.

From A Series of Lessons in Raja Yoga by Atkinson, William Walker

It is a hybrid between the walking fern and the ebony spleenwort, as proved by Miss Margaret Slosson, and may be looked for in the immediate vicinity of its parents.

From The Fern Lover's Companion A Guide for the Northeastern States and Canada by Tilton, George Henry