Schizaea bifida

Forked Comb-fern

Stiffly erect tufted fern, unbranched or forked once near the top. Spreads by short underground stem (rhizome).

FamilySchizaeaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size8-40 cm high
Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
LeavesFine narrow flattened green frond, angular with 2 grooves, similar to stem. Sterile fronds rare, short and unbranched; fertile fronds end with combs 10-18 mm x 5-9 mm, smooth margins with long fine hairs. Stems wiry, brown, becoming green.
FlowersNon-flowering. Spore cases on margins of segments.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist to wet peaty soil in heathland. Semi shade.
Garden useInteresting small fern for containers, but unlikely to be available.
Commercially availableNever
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites. Scattered outside the Shire.