Eastern Hayscented Fern

Scientific name: Dennstaedtia punctilobula

Location and environmental description: In the more open area (no trees), which was the trail. This part of the trail was directly at the opening to the bog area, with lots of other fern species surrounding it. The soil here was moist, however was on higher ground, so had good drainage into the bog.

Key identifying factors: The leaves are either twice or three times compounded sometimes reaching more compounds. For example this means that for the 3x compounded leaf there are three sets of leaflets on each leaf. The leaf is the widest at the base and tapers to a narrow point towards the tip of the leaf. Additionally, the leaf veins go all the way to the tip of the leaf. This fern also smells like hay when the foliage is crushed between fingers (or dried out), giving it its name.

Wildlife: White-tailed deer do not usually eat these ferns, like many other animal species, and overall they do not provide much ecological value to animal species.

Rationale for including: There are many different fern species within this area so being able to differentiate from each other is important. Also the hay scent which it emits.