Athyrium filix-femina aka Lady Fern

Athyrium filix-femina, also known as the lady fern or common lady-fern, is a large and feathery species of fern found in temperate regions of Asia, Europe, North Africa, Canada, and the USA. It thrives in damp and shady woodland environments and is a popular choice for decorative purposes. The fern gets its common names from the discreet arrangement of its reproductive structures, called sori, which are hidden on the frond in a manner deemed "female." This fern is often associated with femininity due to its elegant and graceful appearance. An attractive variety of the lady fern can grow up to approximately 60cm in height. It features striking red/brown stems and as the fern matures, its fronds become increasingly crested and green. While previously considered a single species, Athyrium filix-femina has now been divided into three distinct species: typical A. filix-femina, A. angustum (narrow lady fern), and A. asplenioides (southern lady fern). A. filix-femina grows in clumps rather than along a rhizome and its deciduous fronds are light yellow-green, ranging from 20 to 90 centimeters in length and 5 to 25 centimeters in width. Sori, appearing as dots on the underside of the frond, are covered by a prominent whitish to brown reniform (kidney-shaped) indusium. The fronds are highly dissected, with a 3-pinnate structure, and the stipe may have long, pale brown, papery scales at its base. The spores of A. angustum are yellow, while those of A. asplenioides are dark brown. A. filix-femina is remarkably resilient, tolerating temperatures as low as −20 °C (−4 °F) across its range.