Page 26 - A Field Guide to Fairfax County's Plants and Wildlife
P. 26
ferns
Ferns
(Pteridophyta)
Description
The leafy branch of a fern is
known as a frond which is
comprised of many leaflets. On
the underside of the frond you
may notice dark spots; these
are spores. Spores are similar to seeds in other plants. However, unlike seeds,
spores cannot produce an adult plant. Spores produce what is known as a
gametophyte. If the area is moist and conditions are right, the gametophyte
will be fertilized and become a complete fern.
This ancient group of plants existed Distribution and Habitat
long before the dinosaurs and
predates flowering plants by millions Ferns require moist conditions and
of years. Ferns were an important cannot grow in dry, sunny areas.
source of nutrition for plant-eating They are often found in shady
dinosaurs. woodlands, stream valleys and
wetlands. There are many species
of ferns throughout the world, with
approximately 12 species native
to Virginia.
r 22 r
Ferns
(Pteridophyta)
Description
The leafy branch of a fern is
known as a frond which is
comprised of many leaflets. On
the underside of the frond you
may notice dark spots; these
are spores. Spores are similar to seeds in other plants. However, unlike seeds,
spores cannot produce an adult plant. Spores produce what is known as a
gametophyte. If the area is moist and conditions are right, the gametophyte
will be fertilized and become a complete fern.
This ancient group of plants existed Distribution and Habitat
long before the dinosaurs and
predates flowering plants by millions Ferns require moist conditions and
of years. Ferns were an important cannot grow in dry, sunny areas.
source of nutrition for plant-eating They are often found in shady
dinosaurs. woodlands, stream valleys and
wetlands. There are many species
of ferns throughout the world, with
approximately 12 species native
to Virginia.
r 22 r
