MARGINAL SHIELD FERN. EVERGREEN 

 WOOD FERN. 



Asj^iaium margmaie (L.) bw. 



LARGE otlong or broadly lanceolate compound leaves. 

 Pinnae snort-stalked, numerous, lanceolate, somcAvnat 

 scythe-shaped, \vith tapering points, the lo\ver ones cut al- 

 most to the midriD into ohlong' hlunt divisions, those on the 

 lower pinnae somewhat scalloped; upper pinnae smaller and 

 less divided. Son large, round, separated, with persistent 

 convex indusia, placed near the margins or the divisions, orten 

 produced on the upper and middle pinnae only, or sometimes 

 entirely lacking. Stems rather short, covered with scales, 

 especially at the hase where they arise from a stout, scaly 

 rootstock. Leaves, dark hlue-green, rather leathery, ever- 

 green, arising in clumps, several inches to two reet or more 

 in length. 



This hardy and heautiful species is very common in the 

 rocky, wooded sides of moist ravines, where its graceful 

 crown of leaves may he sheltered hy the base of a tree. its 

 common name (marginal) refers to the position of the sor\. 



Piii;c Thirly-fix 



