D. filix-mas is a common fern being found throughout the British isles and Ireland and even the whole of the northern hemisphere. The leaflets (pinnae) are divided only twice (twice pinnate) and the symmetrical spherical spore cases (indusium) on the underside of the fronds are characteristic. It is a tufted fern typically found in hedgerows, and shady, moist places.

Cheshire hedgerow 22nd November 2004

Added on November 22nd 2004, updated 16th December 2008, updated 28th March 2010