62 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES 



in form. The sterile fronds wither with the 

 autumn frosts. 



SENSITIVE FERN. 



Onodca sensibilis. 



The sterile fronds are pinnatifid, often 

 broadly triangular, with few, oblong-lanceolate 

 divisions, — the lower ones nearly reaching the 

 midrib, the upper ones less deeply cut, and all 

 more or less wavy-toothed. The veins form a 

 series of meshes. 



This is one of our most common species, 

 growing in moist places in fields, by the road- 

 side, and along streams, — in fact everywhere in 

 low, moist land. It is too coarse to be called 

 beautiful, and yet when found along streams by 

 our roadsides, it adds variety to the scene, and 

 has a charm all its own, with its peculiar form 

 and delicate color. 



When found in exposed places it is usually 

 only a few inches high, but in somewhat shady 

 locations it often grows very rank, sometimes 

 nearly two feet in height. The stipe is long. 



The fronds are scattering, pale green, smooth, 

 delicate in texture although somewhat thick, 

 and sensitive to early frosts. Possibly its com- 

 mon name originated from this latter charac- 

 teristic. It certainly is well named, for it is 



