Origin:
Native to North America, and found in most states in the upper half of the United States and in southern Canada, from coast to coast.
Biology:
A perennial plant that reproduces from spores and from underground plant parts. This is a common fern along roadsides and in wooded areas, able to form extensive clumps that dominate the plant growth in some areas.
Identification:
Mature plants are upright on stiff stalks, growing to around 3 feet tall. Leaves are divided into one to two dozen leaflets that are opposite each other along the mid-vein, with a single terminal leaflet at the tip. The margins of the leaflets are scalloped.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
Not generally a noxious weed problem, but where control is needed a systemic, nonselective herbicide will be effective.
