64 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES 



HAIRY DICKS ONI A. 



Dicksonia pilosiuscula {D. pu7ictiIohuld). 



Frond bipinnate ; pinna: lanceolate, tapering 

 to a fine point. The pinnules are cut into ob- 

 long and obtuse, cut-toothed lobes. The stipe 

 is channeled and of a chestnut color, and both 

 stipe and rachis are hairy. 



This is one of our most beautiful species, and 

 because of its finely cut foliage it may be thought 

 by the novice to resemble the Spinulose Wood 

 Fern, var. inlerDiedium. It can be distinguished 

 by its long tapering form, — the pinnae, which 

 are from three to four or five inches long at the 

 base, gradually decreasing in length to the tip ; 

 by its thin, delicate texture ; the pale yellozvish- 

 green color of its fronds, and their downy-hair- 

 iness. 



When found in its favorite haunt, — light, 

 stony soil on somewhat shaded hillsides, — its 

 fronds grow in graceful, slightly drooping curves, 

 and it would scarcely be recognized as the 

 same species when growing in less favored 

 situations, with fronds stiffer and more erect, 

 and bearing a sort of starved aspect in gen- 

 eral. 



It is a common fern, especially in southern 

 New England, growing from one to two and 

 one half feet high, often in large beds. 



