Family - Polypodiaceae

Stems - No info yet.

Leaves - No info yet.

Inflorescence - No info yet.

Flowers - No flowers, plants reproducing by spores.

Abaxial surface of a pinna with sori.

Flowering - Spores produced May - September.

Habitat - Open wooded slopes, mossy banks, rocky ledges (mainly on acidic soils).

Origin - Native to U.S.

Other info. - This common species can be found mainly in the southern half of the state but is also found in scattered counties to the north. The plant is easy to identify because of its thin fronds, which have alternate pinnae), its purple leaf rachises, and, very commonly, one or two of its lower leaves lying flat against the ground.

Photographs taken at Cowards Hollow, Carter County, MO., 7-5-04.