Brittle Bladderfern

(Cystopteris fragilis)

Brittle Bladderfern (Cystopteris fragilis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Cystopteris fragilis, commonly known as brittle bladderfern or common fragile fern, is a deciduous fern native to temperate climates worldwide. It is typically found in moist, shaded environments such as rocky woodlands, crevices of shaded cliffs, and forest understories. This species often colonizes disturbed ground, making it a pioneer species in ecological succession. The fern reaches a modest height of 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40 centimeters) and has delicate, arching fronds that emerge from a short rhizome. The fronds are compound, with each leaf divided into many pairs of leaflets, and each leaflet is further subdivided into lobed segments, giving it a lacy appearance.

Brittle bladderfern is appreciated for its delicate texture and is used in shaded rock gardens, woodland gardens, and as a ground cover in shaded areas. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring consistently moist soil and protection from direct sunlight. It prefers part to full shade. The fern does not have notable flowers or fruit but is valued for its greenery. It is adaptable to a range of soil drainage conditions, from slow to fast, as long as the soil remains moist. Gardeners should be aware that this fern can be quite fragile and may be damaged by strong winds or heavy rain.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Fern
  • Height: 0.4-1 feet
  • Width: 0.28-0.7 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist, shaded environments such as rocky woodlands, crevices of shaded cliffs, and forest understories

Other Names

Common Names: Bladder Fern, Brittle Bladder-Fern, Brittle Fern, Common Fragile Fern, Fragile Bladder Fern, Fragile Fern, Northern Fragile Fern, Bægerbregne, Zerbrechlicher Blasenfarn, Cystoptère Fragile

Scientific Names: , Cystopteris fragilis, Cystopteris regia, Cystopteris filix-fragilis, Cystopteris fragilis var. apiformis, Cystopteris fragilis subsp. apiiformis, Cystopteris fragilis f. cynapiifolia, Cystopteris fragilis subsp. eufragilis, Cystopteris fragilis var. huteri, Cystopteris fragilis subsp. eu-fragilis

GBIF Accepted Name: Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh.