Key to the Wood Ferns
ASPIDIUM
Fronds pinnate, the pinnæ pinnatifid;
Blade soft and thin, not evergreen;
Lower pinnæ reduced to mere lobes
New York Fern
Lower pinnæ but slightly reduced;
Veins simple......................Massachusetts Fern
Veins forked..............................Marsh Fern
Blade rather thick (subcoreaceous) mostly evergreen;
Fronds small, narrow, glandular, rock species
Fragrant Fern
Fronds large, two or more feet high;
Lower pinnæ short, broadly triangular
Crested Shield Fern
Lower pinnæ longer;
Sori close to the margin.... Marginal Shield Fern
Sori nearer the midvein;
Frond lanceolate....................Male Fern
Frond ovate..............Goldie’s Shield Fern
Fronds twice pinnate with the lower pinnules pinnatifid
Boott’s Shield Fern
Fronds nearly thrice pinnate................Spinulose Shield Fern