Polystichum setiferum Soft Shield-fern

A very common, large woodland fern which has soft textured fronds with a broadly lanceolate outline. The basal pinnule usually makes a right angle or an obtuse angle with the rachis, resembling a mitten, unlike those of Hard Shield-fern (Polystichum aculeatum) whose basal pinnules are more obtuse-angled. Soft Shield-fern often forms large populations with individual plants growing in dense shuttlecock clusters. It is more common than Hard Shield-fern in West Glamorgan where it is widespread in broadleaved woodlands that are not too wet. It is very common in the south Gower Ash Woodlands where it sometimes forms large, dominant stands.

Native