Bill's Botanical Forays

The Western Oakfern (Gymnocarpium dryopteris (L.) Newman), also called the Common Oak Fern or Northern Oak Fern is a fern of the family Polypodiaceae.

Its natural range is widespread and circumboreal, occurring throughout Canada, Alaska, the Northern two tiers of states in the USA as well as the Rocky Mountain States. It also occurs in Northern areas of Europe and Asia.

The Western Oakfern prefers cool, coniferous and mixed woods and at the base of shale talus slopes.

Oak fern is easily identified by its delicate, triangular fronds, which are usually held nearly horizontal.

Photos taken at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue, Washington.