Bladderfern
EN

Bladderfern

Cystopteris sudetica

UnknownNTEUNTEU

Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Dmitriy Bochkov, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dmitriy Bochkov

Overview

Bladderfern (Cystopteris sudetica) is a delicate perennial fern characterized by its finely divided, lace-like fronds that emerge from rocky crevices and cliff faces. This small to medium-sized fern typically reaches 10-30 cm in height and displays distinctive bladder-like indusia covering its sori on the undersides of fertile fronds. As a pioneer species in rocky environments, it plays an important role in soil formation and provides microhabitat for small invertebrates in harsh montane ecosystems.

Cystopteris sudetica faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat destruction and fragmentation of its specialized montane environments. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the cool, moist conditions this alpine fern requires, while human activities continue to degrade its limited remaining habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

Bladderfern inhabits cool, moist rock crevices, cliff faces, and rocky outcrops in mountainous regions, typically at elevations between 800-2000 meters. The species shows a strong preference for calcareous substrates and north-facing slopes where it can access consistent moisture while remaining protected from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Other threatened species in Cystopteridaceae

Scented OakfernCR

Scented Oakfern

Gymnocarpium robertianum

Unknown
Western OakfernCR

Western Oakfern

Gymnocarpium dryopteris

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Bladderfern classified as Endangered?
Bladderfern is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Cystopteris sudetica faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat destruction and fragmentation of its specialized montane environments. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the cool, moist conditions this alpine fern requires, while human activities continue to degrade its limited remaining habitat.
Where does Bladderfern live?
Bladderfern occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Bladderfern?
The main threats to Bladderfern are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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