Athyrium filix-femina
| Scientific Name: | Athyrium filix-femina |
| Synonym: | Athyrium angustum |
| Family: | Thelypteridaceae |
| Common Name: | Lady Fern |
| Authority: | (Linnaeus) Martens |
| Etymology: | Athyrium = Greek for "without shield" (referring to the enclosed sori) filix-femina = lady fern |
| C Value: | 6 |
| Wetness: | FAC |
| # of Species in Genus in Illinois: | 1 |
| Duration: | Perennial |
| Reproduction: | N/A |
| Flower Type: | |
| Flower Shape: | |
| Flower # of Parts: | |
| Flower Color: | |
| Growth Habit: | Fern |
| Leaf Arrangement: | Basal |
| Leaf Type: | Pinnate Compound |
| Leaf Shape: | |
| Leaf Shape Term: | |
| Leaf Margin: | Toothed |
| Leaf Toothing: | |
| Stem Surface: | |
| Trunk/Bark: | |
| Armature: | |
| Twig Characteristics: | |
| Habitat: | |
| Distribution: | BONAP Distribution Map |
| Status (State): | Not Listed |
| Status (Federal): | Not Listed |
| ID Tips: | Can be confused with Dryopteris spp. (carthusiana and intermedia) but can be distinguished with 1) Broader Leaves 2) Decidious leaves 3) Spore structures are slender compared to circular in the Dryopteris spp. |
| Gee Whiz: | The rhizomes contain an oil that has been used to expel intestinal worms (particularly tapeworms). However, an overdose of this oil is toxic and potentially fatal to humans. |
| Humor: | |
| More Info: | Illinois Wildflowers Search |