Interrupted Fern – 9/4/20

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 9/4/20

Observation Time: 1:25 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: Interrupted fern

Scientific Name: Osmunda claytonia

Comments: The species name (claytoniana) is a tribute to John Clayton, an 18th century botanist and one of the earliest collectors of plant specimens in what later became the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The common name (Interrupted Fern) is a reference to the fact that the blade of fertile fronds is interrupted by several fertile leaflets in the midsection. Early sources refer to this fern as Clayton’s Fern.

More Information: Ferns of the Adirondacks

Interrupted fern (left) and hay-scented fern (right):