Low Wetland Ferns

Ferns are one of the Earth's oldest plants with the first appearing about 350 million years ago during the Devonian Period. 

Below are three common and easily distinguishable ferns found in local bog and marsh-like areas.

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Cinnamon Fern

Arising from fiddleheads in mid April, the Cinnamon fern can reach heights of 6 feet! The name is derived from the distinctive cinnamon-colored wands of fertile fronds in the late spring (photo 1 - bottom right side). This is the largest and most common fern at Brown's Bog. 

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Sensitive Fern

With its rounded almost lumpy appearance, the sensitive fern is easy to spot. Rising to the height of about a foot it can be found along pathways and in low-brush areas. 

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Royal Fern

With its long branches and separated leaves this fern looks more like a member of the Locust tree or pea family than that of a fern.