Hay-Scented Buckler-Fern

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Hay-Scented Buckler-Fern
• hay-scent buckler fern
• hay-scent wood fern

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Dryopteris aemula subsp. liliana
• Aspidium aemulum
• Aspidium recurvum
• Lastrea aemula
• Lastrea recurva
• Nephrodium aemulum
• Nephrodium foenisecii
• Polystichum aemulum
• Polystichum recurvum
• Dryopteris liliana
• Nephrodium foenisecii var. tripinnatum
• Allantodia aemula
• Lophodium recurvum
• Lastrea dilatata var. recurva
• Polystichum spinulosum subsp. aemulum
• Polystichum foenisecii
• Lastrea foenisecii
• Lophodium foenisecii
• Polystichum aemulum var. tripinnatum
• Aspidium distans var. recurvum
• Polypodium aemulum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Polypodiinae and the order Polypodiales, specifically within the family Polypodiaceae. Finally, its taxonomic designation is completed by the genus Dryopteris.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several distinct regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, its presence can be found throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward the southern part of the continent, it is also widely distributed across Southwestern Europe, specifically in France and Spain. Furthermore, its range extends westward into the Atlantic towards Macaronesia, where it inhabits the Azores. Together, these locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in diverse European environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Dryopteris aemula is characterized by its ability to thrive across a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 900 m AMSL. This wide elevational range suggests an adaptable nature, allowing it to inhabit diverse topographical settings within its natural environment. It typically populates moist, shaded habitats where moisture levels are consistent, often found in the understory of forests or along damp embankments. Its distribution within the 0 to 900 m AMSL range indicates a preference for lowland to sub-montane ecosystems, where it benefits from specific microclimatic conditions such as high humidity and filtered sunlight.

Elevational range max:

900 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Dryopteris aeemula is characterized by its herbaceous structure, specifically exhibiting a non-woody texture throughout its growth. The shoots of this plant typically range in length from a minimum of 25 cm to a maximum of 50 cm, providing the primary structural framework for its fronds.

Shoot length max:

50 cm

Shoot length min:

25 cm

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiological structure of Dryopteris aeulmula is characterized by its specialized vegetative morphology, most notably through its distinct leaf development. The plant exhibits an elliptic leaf form, a structural adaptation that facilitates efficient light interception and gas exchange within its natural habitat. The expansion of these fronds is significant, with the leaf width reaching a maximum of 30 cm, providing a substantial surface area for photosynthetic activity. This expansive leaf architecture supports the plant's metabolic requirements and contributes to its overall vigor and nutrient assimilation processes.

Leaf form :

elliptic

Leaf width max:

30 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Dryopteris aeumula is characterized by a highly flexible reproductive cycle that allows for a broad window of activity throughout the year. Rather than adhering to a strict seasonal constraint, the plant exhibits a variable flowering and sporulation period, spanning from its earliest potential onset in January through to its conclusion in December. This extensive temporal range indicates that the reproductive processes are not limited to a single month but can occur at any time during the annual cycle depending on environmental conditions. Consequently, the reproductive availability is distributed across all months, including Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, and Dec, ensuring a continuous potential for propagation.

Flowering time :

Mar

Flowering time :

Dec

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Dryopteris aemula has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3-Hydroxybenzoic acid, Coumaric Acid, caffeic acid, kaempferol, luteolin.

3-Hydroxybenzoic acid

1. Veterinary research

Coumaric Acid

1. Veterinary research

caffeic acid

1. Veterinary research

kaempferol

1. Veterinary research

luteolin

1. Veterinary research

protocatechuic acid

1. Veterinary research

quercetin

1. Veterinary research