Woodsia obtusa
Encyclopedia
Woodsia obtusa is a common rock fern of Appalachia
and eastern North America
. It prefers a calcareous substrate, but also grows in neutral soils. It may grow on rock faces or in scree.
This fern is often confused with various ferns of the genus Cystopteris
but can be distinguished by its hairy nature.
Appalachia
Appalachia is a term used to describe a cultural region in the eastern United States that stretches from the Southern Tier of New York state to northern Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. While the Appalachian Mountains stretch from Belle Isle in Canada to Cheaha Mountain in the U.S...
and eastern North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
. It prefers a calcareous substrate, but also grows in neutral soils. It may grow on rock faces or in scree.
This fern is often confused with various ferns of the genus Cystopteris
Cystopteris
Cystopteris is a genus of ferns. These are known generally as bladderferns or fragile ferns. They are found in temperate areas worldwide. This is a very diverse genus and within a species individuals can look quite different, especially in harsh environments where they experience stress and remain...
but can be distinguished by its hairy nature.