I never realized that Prince Edward Island contained so many species of ferns. Here is a complete list. Not all of these are found at the Macphail Woods, but there are several species that can be seen along the trails. The ones that you are likely to see are linked to more information. Thanks to the PEI Confederation Trail Fern Checklist from the PEI Gov't website for it's fern list. This link is to a pdf, which contains short descriptions and sketches of each species.

Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis).

• Interrupted fern - (Osmunda claytoniana)
• Cinnamon fern - (Osmunda cinnamomea)
• Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis)
• Ostrich fern - ((Matteuccia struthiopteris))
• New York fern - (Dryopteris noveboracensis)
• Wood fern - (Dryopteris spinulosa)
• Spinulose Shield Fern (Dryopteris carthusiana)
• Crested Shield Fern (Dryopteris cristata)
• Evergreen Wood Fern (Dryopteris intermedia)
• Beech Fern (Drypoteris phegopteris)
• Hay-scented fern - (Dennstaedtia punctilobula)
• Bracken fern - (Pteridium aquilinum)
• Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)
• Chamomile Grape Fern (Botrychium matricariaefolium)
• Leathery Grape Fern (Botrychium multifidum)
• Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium virginianum)
• Oak Fern (Gymnocarpium dryopteris)
• Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
• Braun's Holly Fern (Polystichum braunii)
• Marsh Fern (Thelypteris palustris)
• Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis)

Interrupted Fern (Osmunda claytoniana).

ECO-PEI - Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project a member of the Island Sustainable Forest Partnership Cooperative with assistance from Natural Resources Canada - Canadian Forest Service and the Model Forest Program have put together a series of Wildlife enhancement sheets on Prince Edward Island.

• Three Fine Ferns

• Connecticut Botanical Society - Ferns
• Ontario Ferns
• American Fern Society

Return to Macphail Woods