LADY FERN
Lady fern fronds arise in clumps, are 2-3 pinnate, show an elongated diamond-shaped outline, and are deciduous. The fronds often reach 1 m in height. The sori alternate on either side of the midrib and are elongated and curved (sometimes almost horseshoe-shaped). The indusium is formed from an elongated flap of tissue attached at one side of the sorus, but it withers as the sporangia mature and can be overlooked on mature sori. Lady ferns are common in wet, shady woods and on streambanks at low to middle elevations.