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Description
Sceptridium Oneidense, commonly known as the Oneida or blunt-lobed grapefern, is a small fern species native to North America. It belongs to the family Ophioglossaceae and can be found growing in moist, shaded areas such as forests, swamps, and wetlands.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Ophioglossales |
| Family | Ophioglossaceae |
| Genus | Sceptridium |
Appearance
The Oneida grapefern has a unique appearance with its sterile fronds growing up to 20 cm in length and 5 cm in width. The fronds are triangular and divided into several blunt, lobed segments. The fertile fronds are much shorter, growing up to 8 cm in length and 1 cm in width. The fertile fronds have the spore-bearing structures on the underside of the frond, which appear as tiny, brown dots.
Care Guide
The Oneida grapefern is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it requires specific conditions to thrive. It prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH balance between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. It prefers shaded areas and should not be exposed to direct sunlight. This plant is hardy in zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Oneida grapeferns are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to fungal infections if the soil is too moist or if the plant is not receiving adequate air circulation. Spider mites can also be a problem in hot, dry conditions. It is important to monitor the plant regularly and take action at the first sign of any issues.
Habitat
The Oneida grapefern can be found growing in moist, shaded areas such as forests, swamps, and wetlands. It is native to North America and can be found in regions from Alaska to Newfoundland, south to Georgia and Texas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Oneida grapefern be propagated?
A: Yes, the Oneida grapefern can be propagated through spores or by dividing the plant.
Q: How often should the Oneida grapefern be fertilized?
A: Fertilization is not necessary for the Oneida grapefern, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied once per year in the spring.
Q: Is the Oneida grapefern poisonous?
A: No, the Oneida grapefern is not poisonous and is safe for pets and humans.
Q: Can the Oneida grapefern be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the Oneida grapefern can be grown in a container as long as it is large enough to accommodate the root system and the plant is kept in a consistently moist environment.
Related Plants
- Sceptridium Depauperatum
- Sceptridium Multifidum
- Sceptridium Rugulosum
References
- USDA Plants Database. (2021). Sceptridium Oneidense (Blunt-lobe Grapefern). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=SCON3
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Sceptridium Oneidense. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286117&isprofile=0&
- Flora of North America. (n.d.). Sceptridium Oneidense. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=233501472
