Oak Fern
Gymnocarpium dryopteris
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gymnocarpium_dryopteris
Overview
Gymnocarpium dryopteris, the western oakfern, common oak fern, oak fern, or northern oak fern, is a deciduous fern of the family Cystopteridaceae. It is widespread across much of North America and Eurasia. It has been found in Canada, the United States, Greenland, China, Japan, Korea, Russia, and most of Europe. It is a seedless, vascular plant that reproduces via spores and have a life cycle with alternating, free-living sporophyte and gametophyte phases.
Western Oakfern faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to logging and forest fragmentation in its specialized woodland environments. Climate change is altering the cool, moist conditions this species requires, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its native forest understory habitats.
Habitat
Cool, moist coniferous and mixed deciduous forests, typically growing in acidic soils on forest floors, rocky slopes, and shaded woodland understories. Often found in association with mosses and other shade-tolerant plants in northern temperate forest ecosystems.
Other threatened species in Cystopteridaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Oak Fern classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Oak Fern live?
What are the main threats to Oak Fern?
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