''Physematium scopulinum'', also called ''Woodsia scopulina'', is a deciduous perennial fern in the family Woodsiaceae, with the common name Rocky Mountain woodsia. This plant is native to the western and northern

United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

and

Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...

. ''W. scopulina'' is a small to medium sized fern, 10-30 centimeters high, which grows in mesic to dry rock crevices.Dale H. Witt, Janet E. Marsh, and Robin B. Bovey, ''Mosses Lichens and Ferns of Northwest North America'' (Edmonton: Lone Pine, 1988), p. 273Burke Herbarium Image Collection, Chaenactis thompsonii
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Description

''Physematium scopulinum'' has twice pinnate fronds arising from a short scaly rhizome. The mostly upright fronds are 10–30 cm in length and up to 8 cm in width and are medium to pale green in color. The pinnae and rachis are sparsely to moderately covered with long hairs that protrude sharply (not appressed to stem), some with a globular gland at the tip. The hairy rachis distinguishes it from the similar species '' Physematium oreganum''. The rachis is grooved on top (adaxially). Small round sori on the underside of pinnae are initially partly covered with a narrowly lobed indusium. New leaves show circinate vernation (tightly curled).

Range

''Physematium scopulinum'' is widespread in mountains near the west coast of North America from southern Alaska to southern California, and in the Rocky Mountains from British Columbia to Colorado. There are also isolated populations in northeastern North America.

Habitat

''Physematium scopulinum'' is commonly found in sunny rocky habitats including rock crevices, talus slopes, and rock ledges.

Gallery

Image:Woodsia scopulina JHT1.jpg, Leafing out in spring Image:Woodsia scopulina JHT2.jpg, Growing among talus rock Image:Woodsia scopulina JHT iNat-222453096.jpg, Underside of leaf

References

External links

Jepson Manual TreatmentUSDA Plants ProfileFlora of North AmericaWashington Burke MuseumPhoto gallery
scopulinum Ferns of the United States Flora of the Rocky Mountains Flora of the Western United States Flora of the Northern United States Flora of the Northwestern United States Flora of Western Canada Flora of Canada {{Polypodiales-stub