Dryopteris oreades Mountain Male-fern

Dryopteris oreades is a montane fern and a distinctly upland species in Britain. Its characteristic habitat is well-drained rocky ledges and scree, but it is sometimes found in more shaded sites. It is very similar to the much more common Male-fern (Dryopteris filix-mas), but it is smaller with more grey-green fronds that have a crinkled or crisped appearance with pinnae which are rather concave. The sori are smaller and fewer than those seen in Male-fern and the indusium that covers the sporangia tends to be tucked under more with Mountain Male-fern. Fresh growth appears quite early in Spring and well-established colonies form rather large clumps, which die back in winter. It is a rare species in West Glamorgan, confined to the north-facing cliffs and scree of Craig y Llyn.

Native