Fronds triangular, broader than long, seven to twelve inches broad,
spreading more or less horizontally at the summit of the stipe; pubescent
and often glandular beneath; pinnæ fragrant, lanceolate, the lowest pair
usually much larger than those above, having the segments elongated and cut
into lobes. Basal segments decurrent and forming a many-angled wing along
the main rachis. Fruit-dots small, near the margin.
The broad beech fern is usually larger than its sister, the long beech
fern, and extends farther south, ranging from New England to Minnesota
and southward to Florida. It is sometimes called "six-angled polypody."
According to Dodge it is most common in Rhode Island and Connecticut. It
prefers rather dry, open woods. It is said to have a pleasant, ferny odor
when bruised. August.
(4) LONG BEECH FERN
_Phegopteris polypodiòides_. THELÝPTERIS PHEGÓPTERIS
Fronds triangular, longer than broad, four to six inches long, twice
pinnatifid. Pinnæ lanceolate, acuminate, the lowest pair deflexed and
standing forward; cut into oblong, obtuse segments. Fruit-dots near the
margin.
Compared with the broad beech fern this is the more northern species. While
usually quite distinct in structure, it sometimes approaches its sister
fern rather closely.
It prefers deep woods and shaded banks. Newfoundland to Alaska and
southward to the mountains of Virginia. July.
[Illustration: Long Beech Fern. _Phegopteris polypodioides_]
[Illustration: The Long Beech Fern]