Thelypteris novaboracensis
New York Fern
General
A deciduous fern native to eastern North America. It is characterized by its delicate fronds that grow in a vase-like shape, reaching heights of up to 3 feet. New York fern thrives in moist, shaded habitats such as woodlands, thickets, and stream banks, where its light green fronds add a graceful touch to the understory flora.
Plant Description
Displays elegant fronds that arch gracefully from a central point, reaching heights of up to 3 feet. Its leaflets are lance-shaped and deeply lobed, giving the fronds a feathery and airy appearance. The fronds are a soft green color, contrasting beautifully with their surroundings in shaded woodland habitats across eastern North America.
Height (ft)
1-2 ft
Soil moisture
Moist to slightly dry
Soil types
Loamy, sandy loam (well-drained)
Wetland indicator
FAC
Shade tolerance
Partial to Full Shade
Bloom color
Spores underneath fronds
Bloom period
Late spring to early Fall
Drought tolerance
Moderate
Salinity tolerance
Intolerant
Range
Found from Maine and New Hampshire west to Michigan, and southward to Georgia and Alabama, with scattered populations further west into Texas and Oklahoma. This fern species is particularly common in the Appalachian Mountains and the eastern deciduous forests.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]