SPINULOSE WOOD (SHIELD) FERN. 



As^idium spinulosum var. intermedium (MuKl.) D. C. Eaton 



LARGE twice-compounJ leaves, broadly oblong-ovate, 

 variable. Pinnae numerous, separated, spreading, oblong- 

 lanceolate, tbe pinnae of one or two of tbe lowest pairs long- 

 est on tbe lower side. Pinnules cro-wded, ovate to oblong, 

 connected by a narrov^ wmg in tbe lo^ver pinnae, confluent 

 in tbe upper, all of tbem again cut into oblong lobes w^bicb 

 are tootbed at tbe apex. Son small, ratber irregularly 

 placed on or at tbe base of tbe ultimate divisions, covered 

 witb delicate kidney-sbaped indusia wbicb are glandular. 

 Stems witb a few dark centered scales, arising in early 

 spring in a cluster from a stout scaly rootstock. Leaves from 

 several incbes to t\vo feet or more in lengtb. 



Tbis is tbe most beautiful of tbe woods ferns. Tbe 

 deeply cut spreading leaves bave tbe appearance of plumes. 

 Tbeir graceful clumps are found abundantly in tbe ricb 

 woods on tbe sides of tbe ravines, witb tbe evergreen wood 

 fern. Tbe common name, spinulose, refers to tbe little teetb 

 on tbe smallest divisions of tbe leaf. 



Pu^e Thirly-nint 



