Diplazium pycnocarpon – Glade Fern

A unique-looking fern – at first glance you might think you’re looking at Christmas Fern, but the pinnae are longer and end with a more gradual taper. The overall effect is simple, strong and robust but graceful as well. This is a rare species in the Catskills, probably because it’s a calciphile or lime-lover and Catskill Mountain soils are generally strongly acidic. In the garden, it can tolerate slightly acidic soils (pH 6-7) especially if you provide an occasional dusting of limestone.