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Description
Cystopteris Protrusa, also known as fragile fern, is a species of fern that belongs to the Cystopteris genus. This deciduous plant is native to North America and can be found growing in moist, shady woods, rocky slopes, and crevices. Its name comes from the fragility of its fronds, which easily break off when touched.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Cystopteridaceae |
| Genus | Cystopteris |
Appearance
Cystopteris Protrusa has delicate, light green fronds that grow up to 18 inches long and 8 inches wide. The fronds are bipinnate, meaning they have two rows of leaflets on either side of the midrib. The leaflets are ovate and slightly serrated, giving the fronds a lacy appearance. In the fall, the fronds turn yellow before dying back for the winter.
Care Guide
Cystopteris Protrusa is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this delicate fern:- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during dry periods.- Fertilization: Cystopteris Protrusa does not require fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring if desired.- Soil: This fern prefers well-draining, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH.- Sunlight: Cystopteris Protrusa prefers partial to full shade and does not tolerate direct sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: This fern is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cystopteris Protrusa is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be affected by the following:- Japanese beetles: These beetles can skeletonize the fronds of the fern. Handpick them off or use a natural insecticide to control their populations.- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat holes in the fronds of the fern. Use slug bait or diatomaceous earth to control their populations.- Rust: This fungal disease causes orange or brown spots on the fronds. Remove infected fronds and apply a fungicide to prevent its spread.
Habitat
Cystopteris Protrusa is native to North America and can be found growing in moist, shady woods, rocky slopes, and crevices. It prefers well-draining soil and does not tolerate direct sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cystopteris Protrusa grow in full sun?
A: No, this fern prefers partial to full shade and does not tolerate direct sunlight.
Q: Does Cystopteris Protrusa require fertilizer?
A: No, this fern does not require fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring if desired.
Q: How do I control Japanese beetles on Cystopteris Protrusa?
A: Handpick them off or use a natural insecticide to control their populations.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Cystopteris Protrusa?
A: This fern is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Related Plants
– Cystopteris bulbifera- Cystopteris fragilis- Cystopteris tenuis
References
– “Cystopteris protrusa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 5, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e757.- “Cystopteris protrusa.” Plant Finder. Accessed September 5, 2021. https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/3245/fragile-fern/.- “Cystopteris protrusa.” The Spruce. Accessed September 5, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/cystopteris-protrusa-fern-profile-4691189.
