Spinulose wood fern

The spinulose wood fern reproduces mainly through spores. These give rise to the male and female gametes needed for the species to reproduce.

Spores develop from late spring to early fall, usually between June and September. After germination and fertilization, tiny green structures called prothalli form on the underside of the fronds.

After about 15 more weeks, the young frond, or plantlet, emerges from these tiny structures. It will eventually grow into a new fern.

The spinulose wood fern can also spread through its short, upright rhizome, which gives its crowns their lush, full look. Because this form of vegetative reproduction is slower than in other fern species, the spinulose wood fern tends to grow in scattered colonies.