Cystopteris laurentiana, commonly known as St. Lawrence Bladderfern, is a deciduous fern native to rich, moist woods and rocky slopes in the Northeastern USA and Eastern Canada. It typically grows to a height of 0.5-2 feet (0.2-0.6 meters) and a width of 0.7-0.8 feet (0.2-0.2 meters). The fern is characterized by its delicate, finely divided fronds that emerge light green and mature to a darker shade. While it does not produce flowers, its fronds add a textured appearance to shaded garden areas. The term "blooms" is a misnomer for ferns as they reproduce via spores, not flowers.

St. Lawrence Bladderfern is valued for its ability to thrive in shady conditions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as a ground cover under larger plants. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and can be used to prevent soil erosion on slopes. It requires minimal maintenance once established and is relatively free from serious pests and diseases. However, it can be sensitive to drought and excessive sunlight.CC BY-SA 4.0