The Fern Lover's Companion 125 



(3) Broad Beech Fern 



Phegopteris hexagonSptera 



Thelypteris hexagonoptera 



Fronds triangular, broader than long, seven to twelve 

 inches broad, spreading more or less horizontally at the 

 summit of the stipe; pubescent and often glandular 

 beneath; pinnse fragrant, lanceolate, the lowest pair 

 usually much larger than those above, having the seg- 

 ments elongated and cut into lobes. Basal segments 

 decurrent and forming a many-angled wing along the 

 main rachis. Fruit -dots small, near the margin. 



The broad beech fern is usually larger than its sister, 

 the long beech fern, and extends farther south, ranging 

 from New England to Minnesota and southward to Florida. 

 It is sometimes called "six-angled polypodj'." According 

 to Dodge it is most common in Rhode Island and Connecti- 

 cut. It prefers rather dry, open woods. It is said to have 

 a pleasant, ferny odor when bruised. August. 



(4) Long Beech Fern 

 Phegopteris polypodibides. Thelypteris phegopteris 



Fronds triangular, longer than broad, four to six inches 

 long, twice pinnatifid. Pinnae lanceolate, acuminate, the 

 lowest pair deflexed and standing forward; cut into oblong, 

 obtuse segments. Fruit-dots near the margin. 



Compared with the broad beech fern this is the more 

 northern species. While usually quite distinct in struc- 

 ture, it sometimes approaches its sister fern rather closely. 



