One of Ohios oldest forms of plant life glows with a youthful
blush this time of year, showing its true colors in our
otherwise drab late-year landscape. Its the fern. Yes, the same
potted plant that shyly sat in Aunt Priscillas parlor and
remains a popular fixture in many homes to this day. But take a
look outdoors, where the fern can really strut its stuff.
Flaunting varying shades of green, the fern sticks out like a
sore thumb in todays colorless countryside. Lush and tropical in
appearance, ferns can be easily spotted on rock outcroppings and
along the forest floor. As testimony to their resilient and
prolific nature, ferns have been a part of the Ohio landscape
for millions of years, predating both dinosaurs and flowering
plants. Today, more than 85 species of ferns grow wild in Ohio.
One of the most abundant is the Christmas fern , found in nearly
every Ohio county. Its common name harkens back to a time when
pioneers used its evergreen leaves to make wreaths and other
winter holiday decorations. With