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Bladderferns (Cystopteris)
Bladderferns are a widespread genus of ferns found in temperate climates. These diverse ferns vary in size and appearance, as they readily create hybrids with each other. Many genus members are used as ornamentals and were favorites of fern collectors of the Victorian era, so much so that collectors created "fern-fever" in the 1860s that began to threaten the genus. Bladderferns are now protected in Scotland.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Bladderferns
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Attributes of Bladderferns
Leaf type
Deciduous
Scientific Classification of Bladderferns
Distribution of Bladderferns
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Distribution Map of Bladderferns
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Bladderferns
Feedback
The 'bladderferns' genus, referred to as bladders ferns, thrive under medium to low light conditions in well-drained, moist soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH. They require consistent humidity, with a temperature range of 60-70°F. Common challenges include root rot from overwatering, and pests like aphids and slugs. Winter dryness or excessive sunlight can cause leaf burn. Seasonally, they are mostly dormant in winter; they require less watering but indirect lighting. During growing season (spring-early autumn), maintaining optimal humidity and regular fertilizing are key.
Exploring the Bladderferns Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Brittle bladderfern
Brittle bladderfern, or Cystopteris fragilis, is found around the world wherever there are moist, shady areas. This plant grows in small clumps which form from rhizomes. Some plants are sterile and some are fertile.
Bulblet bladderfern
Bulblet bladderfern (*Cystopteris bulbifera*) is a species of low-growing rock fern that is found primarily in eastern North America. In spring, the plant sprouts as red-colored fiddleheads which then unfurl and turn green. As the common name suggests, the plant propagates itself by producing small bulb lets at the base of its fronds, which is an unusual form of reproduction for ferns.
Lowland bladder fern
Lowland bladder fern (Cystopteris protrusa), also known as Fragile fern, is a common, exclusively terrestrial fern native to North America. In springtime, it can form dense colonies that usually disappear by summer, as lowland bladder fern is a spring ephemeral. It occurs in woodlands, valleys, slopes, and along streams.
Tennessee bladderfern
Tennessee bladderfern belongs to the very diverse genus Cystopteris, consisting of numerous species that tend to hybridize easily with each other and produce quite different individual plants. Cystopteris tennesseensis is a very rare species. It's found in North America from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania to Oklahoma and Tennessee.
Mountain bladder fern
It's often hard to find mountain bladder fern (Cystopteris montana) in the wild because this damp-loving plant hides away on inaccessible rock ledges and forest river gullies. It is a mountain and cold weather specialist that is sadly being threatened by grazing and habitat loss and so is becoming increasingly rare.
Sudetan bladder fern
Sudetan bladder fern is a fern that grows in a multitude of mixed and coniferous forest habitats. It can be identified by its elaborate leaves which are intricately shaped with numerous divisions. Given the ornamental appeal of these complex leaves, it is surprising that this fern isn't a common garden plant.
Dickie's fern
Dickie's fern was first recorded in 1838 by George Dickie. Dickie's fern can only be found in the wild in Scotland. It was severely depleted during "fern fever" in 19th century Scotland, but is now protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981.
Brittle bladder-fern
Brittle bladder-fern is a delicate fern with a clumping growth habit, thriving in moist, shaded environments often found in rocky woods and crevices. Its lance-shaped, deciduous fronds unfurl in a fresh green swirl, contributing an ethereal quality to the forest floor. These fronds are notably thin and brittle, which may explain the species' moniker 'fragilis'. Despite its fragile appearance, brittle bladder-fern is remarkably resilient, adapting to the dappled light and nutrient variability of its native habitats.
All Species of Bladderferns
Brittle bladderfern
Brittle bladderfern
Brittle bladderfern, or Cystopteris fragilis, is found around the world wherever there are moist, shady areas. This plant grows in small clumps which form from rhizomes. Some plants are sterile and some are fertile.
Bulblet bladderfern
Bulblet bladderfern
Bulblet bladderfern (*Cystopteris bulbifera*) is a species of low-growing rock fern that is found primarily in eastern North America. In spring, the plant sprouts as red-colored fiddleheads which then unfurl and turn green. As the common name suggests, the plant propagates itself by producing small bulb lets at the base of its fronds, which is an unusual form of reproduction for ferns.
Lowland bladder fern
Lowland bladder fern
Lowland bladder fern (Cystopteris protrusa), also known as Fragile fern, is a common, exclusively terrestrial fern native to North America. In springtime, it can form dense colonies that usually disappear by summer, as lowland bladder fern is a spring ephemeral. It occurs in woodlands, valleys, slopes, and along streams.
Tennessee bladderfern
Tennessee bladderfern
Tennessee bladderfern belongs to the very diverse genus Cystopteris, consisting of numerous species that tend to hybridize easily with each other and produce quite different individual plants. Cystopteris tennesseensis is a very rare species. It's found in North America from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania to Oklahoma and Tennessee.
Mountain bladder fern
Mountain bladder fern
It's often hard to find mountain bladder fern (Cystopteris montana) in the wild because this damp-loving plant hides away on inaccessible rock ledges and forest river gullies. It is a mountain and cold weather specialist that is sadly being threatened by grazing and habitat loss and so is becoming increasingly rare.
Sudetan bladder fern
Sudetan bladder fern
Sudetan bladder fern is a fern that grows in a multitude of mixed and coniferous forest habitats. It can be identified by its elaborate leaves which are intricately shaped with numerous divisions. Given the ornamental appeal of these complex leaves, it is surprising that this fern isn't a common garden plant.
Dickie's fern
Dickie's fern
Dickie's fern was first recorded in 1838 by George Dickie. Dickie's fern can only be found in the wild in Scotland. It was severely depleted during "fern fever" in 19th century Scotland, but is now protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981.
Brittle bladder-fern
Brittle bladder-fern
Brittle bladder-fern is a delicate fern with a clumping growth habit, thriving in moist, shaded environments often found in rocky woods and crevices. Its lance-shaped, deciduous fronds unfurl in a fresh green swirl, contributing an ethereal quality to the forest floor. These fronds are notably thin and brittle, which may explain the species' moniker 'fragilis'. Despite its fragile appearance, brittle bladder-fern is remarkably resilient, adapting to the dappled light and nutrient variability of its native habitats.
Upland brittle bladderfern
Upland brittle bladderfern
This species is an allotetraploid of hybrid origin (see Cystopteris hybrid complex). The parent diploid species are Cystopteris protrusa and the hypothesized Cystopteris hemifragilis, believed to be an extinct species.
Reeves' bladderfern
Reeves' bladderfern
Reeves' bladderfern is a delicate fern with airy fronds often found in the shelter of moist, shaded rock crevices. Its pinnate leaves, which unfurl in the warmth of spring, contribute to a feathery appearance. The compact size and graceful arch of its fronds make reeves' bladderfern both distinct and characteristic of its serene woodland habitats.
St. Lawrence's bladderfern
St. Lawrence's bladderfern
St. Lawrence's bladderfern is a delicate fern with a preference for shady, moist environments, typically found along forest floors or clinging to rocky landscapes. Its fronds unfurl in a classic fern fashion, sporting a soft, lace-like appearance with fragile leaflets. The plant's ability to thrive in cool understory conditions underscores its resilience and specialized ecological niche.
Cystopteris moupinensis
Cystopteris moupinensis
Cystopteris moupinensis is a delicate fern with feathery, light green fronds that typically grows in moist, shady habitats. It thrives on the dappled forest floor or rock crevices near streams, with fronds unfurling up to 30 cm. This fern's finely divided leaves are its hallmark, offering an ethereal quality to its woodland surroundings.
Bladder fern
Bladder fern
Bladder fern is a delicate fern found in cool, moist forests and crevices. Its fronds, typically unfurling to a soft light green, are intricately divided, giving a feathery appearance. This makes bladder fern easily distinguishable. Thriving in shaded understories, it forms elegant colonies that blanket the forest floor, contributing to the ecosystem's lush undergrowth.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Bladderferns
Cystopteris
Bladderferns are a widespread genus of ferns found in temperate climates. These diverse ferns vary in size and appearance, as they readily create hybrids with each other. Many genus members are used as ornamentals and were favorites of fern collectors of the Victorian era, so much so that collectors created "fern-fever" in the 1860s that began to threaten the genus. Bladderferns are now protected in Scotland.
Lifespan
Perennial
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Key Facts About Bladderferns
Feedback
Attributes of Bladderferns
Leaf type
Deciduous
Scientific Classification of Bladderferns
Distribution of Bladderferns
Feedback
Distribution Map of Bladderferns
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Bladderferns
Feedback
The 'bladderferns' genus, referred to as bladders ferns, thrive under medium to low light conditions in well-drained, moist soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH. They require consistent humidity, with a temperature range of 60-70°F. Common challenges include root rot from overwatering, and pests like aphids and slugs. Winter dryness or excessive sunlight can cause leaf burn. Seasonally, they are mostly dormant in winter; they require less watering but indirect lighting. During growing season (spring-early autumn), maintaining optimal humidity and regular fertilizing are key.
Exploring the Bladderferns Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Brittle bladderfern
Brittle bladderfern, or Cystopteris fragilis, is found around the world wherever there are moist, shady areas. This plant grows in small clumps which form from rhizomes. Some plants are sterile and some are fertile.
Bulblet bladderfern
Bulblet bladderfern (*Cystopteris bulbifera*) is a species of low-growing rock fern that is found primarily in eastern North America. In spring, the plant sprouts as red-colored fiddleheads which then unfurl and turn green. As the common name suggests, the plant propagates itself by producing small bulb lets at the base of its fronds, which is an unusual form of reproduction for ferns.
Lowland bladder fern
Lowland bladder fern (Cystopteris protrusa), also known as Fragile fern, is a common, exclusively terrestrial fern native to North America. In springtime, it can form dense colonies that usually disappear by summer, as lowland bladder fern is a spring ephemeral. It occurs in woodlands, valleys, slopes, and along streams.
Tennessee bladderfern
Tennessee bladderfern belongs to the very diverse genus Cystopteris, consisting of numerous species that tend to hybridize easily with each other and produce quite different individual plants. Cystopteris tennesseensis is a very rare species. It's found in North America from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania to Oklahoma and Tennessee.
Show More Species
All Species of Bladderferns
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
