Bulblet Fern Cystopteris bulbifera

The bulblet bladder fern is a rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial fern in the spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae). It is native to a wide area of eastern and central North America, including North Carolina. The name of the genus comes from the Greek words kystis, meaning “bladder,” and pteris, a fern. The name highlights the indusium, which is inflated when young. The specific epithet is Latin for “bearing bulbils,” a highly unusual mode of clonal reproduction among ferns.

The bulblet bladder fern prefers partial to deep shade in moist, humusy rocky limestone or neutral soils in a humid protected environment. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall and wide

Its natural habitat includes shaded ledges, stream banks, roadsides, cliffs and rocky slopes below 5000 feet in elevation. It can be found growing near mossy stone walls, cliffs and boulders. This fern produces bulbils on the undersides of its fertile fronds. These bulbils detach and fall to the ground to form new plants that are genetic clones of the mother plant. In addition, the fern produces spores, which are dispersed by the wind.  

Use this plant in a woodland setting and provide consistent moisture. It can also be grown in native, rock and shade gardens.

Quick ID Hints: 

•      Bulbils on the underside of the leaves
•      Its compound leaves are widest at or near the base.
•      The tips of the leaves are long and slender
•      Lateral veins of the leaflets extend to the sinuses

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease problems.

VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum.