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Description
Gymnocarpium Disjunctum, commonly known as Oak Fern, is a small, deciduous fern that belongs to the Polypodiaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in moist, shady areas such as forests, wetlands, and stream banks. The plant grows up to 12 inches in height and has a triangular-shaped frond with a dark green color. It is a slow-growing plant that spreads through rhizomes and can form dense colonies over time.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Polypodiaceae |
| Genus | Gymnocarpium |
Appearance
The Oak Fern has a triangular-shaped frond that can grow up to 12 inches in height. The frond is dark green in color and is composed of several leaflets that are lobed and toothed. Each leaflet is around 1-2 inches long and 0.5-1 inch wide. The plant produces spores on the undersides of the fronds that can be seen as brownish dots. The fronds emerge in the spring and die back in the fall.
Care Guide
Water: The Oak Fern prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring to encourage growth.Soil: The Oak Fern prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but does best in slightly acidic soil.Sunlight: The plant prefers shade or partial shade and can tolerate full shade. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight as this can scorch the fronds.Hardiness Zones: The Oak Fern is hardy in USDA zones 2-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Oak Fern is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot. These can be treated with a fungicide. The plant can also be affected by slugs and snails, which can be controlled with slug bait or by handpicking.
Habitat
The Oak Fern is native to North America and can be found in moist, shady areas such as forests, wetlands, and stream banks. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. The plant is slow-growing and spreads through rhizomes, forming dense colonies over time.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Oak Fern be grown indoors?A: Yes, the Oak Fern can be grown indoors in a pot with well-draining soil and placed in a shady spot.Q: Can the Oak Fern be propagated?A: Yes, the Oak Fern can be propagated through division. Divide the plant in the spring or fall and replant the sections in well-draining soil.Q: How often should I water the Oak Fern?A: The Oak Fern prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.Q: Can the Oak Fern tolerate full shade?A: Yes, the Oak Fern can tolerate full shade and prefers shade or partial shade.
Related Plants
- Gymnocarpium Dryopteris
- Gymnocarpium Japonicum
- Gymnocarpium Robertianum
- Gymnocarpium Oreganum
References
- “Gymnocarpium disjunctum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a841.
- “Gymnocarpium disjunctum.” Plant Database, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=GYDI.
- Gymnocarpium disjunctum. (n.d.). Retrieved May 12, 2021, from https://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=PDPBG1F020
