Plant identification

barrystocks55

Hello all,

I am wondering if anyone can identify this little plant for me. the only thing it says on the label is fern family. Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Barry

Ladybird4

Hello barrystocks55 and welcome to the forum. Your plant looks a little bit like the Common Oak Fern.

barrystocks55

Many thanks Ladybird4

Ladybird4

You're welcome!

Silver surfer

Ferns are hard to id...sorry I cannot name this one.
Sorry to disagree .
We used to grow the very rampant Gymnocarpium dryopteris..common oak fern and it never looked like the fern in question.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Gymnocarpium+dryopteris&rlz=1C1CHBF_enGB785GB785&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi1ht3Gv7HjAhXxoFwKHa2EC08Q_AUIECgB&biw=1920&bih=937

Ladybird4

Try the image, 4th one down on the left. Apparently there are a few ferns classified as 'oak ferns'

https://www.google.com/search?q=Common+oak+fern&client=firefox-b-d&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=6YLt-y5SSiBhCM%3A%2Ct0QwFCvsXjjzhM%2C%2Fm%2F0782ys&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kSv9AQ3Toh-4h2vH2y8mbeMvZQaiw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwimpIqL2LHjAhVSTBUIHQTpDssQ_h0wD3oECAoQDQ#imgrc=JZkDTP20rQR3ZM:&vet=1

Silver surfer

Ladybird4 said:

Try the image, 4th one down on the left. Apparently there are a few ferns classified as 'oak ferns'

https://www.google.com/search?q=Common+oak+fern&client=firefox-b-d&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=6YLt-y5SSiBhCM%3A%2Ct0QwFCvsXjjzhM%2C%2Fm%2F0782ys&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kSv9AQ3Toh-4h2vH2y8mbeMvZQaiw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwimpIqL2LHjAhVSTBUIHQTpDssQ_h0wD3oECAoQDQ#imgrc=JZkDTP20rQR3ZM:&vet=1

ladybird4. ..... Yes, there are many ferns that have the name oak fern...mostly tropical.
I was just saying that the Common oak fern .....Gymnocarpium dryopteris is definitely not a match.

To quote wiki...Gymnocarpium dryopteris has small, delicate fronds up to 40 cm (16 inches) long, 

The image you have shown in the link above  shows a typical  dainty fern...... with pinnate cut fronds...it has a rachis, pinnule and pina.  It is not remotely shaped like an oak leaf.
While barrystocks55 image shows leaves that look extremely oak like...but they are lobed and not frond like.
The leaves are also covered in hairs or bristles.
I have spend a good while searching but have yet to find a perfect match.

Ladybird4

Ha ha Silver surfer. I think it could be virtually impossible unless you knew a pteridologist.

Silver surfer

Ferns are hard.
This fern was so different and special from normal ferns I continued my search.
I believe it is Doryopteris  sp.
Maybe Doryopteris cordata...common name Antenna fern.

Starts with the leaves that look like oak leaves then sends up taller fronds.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Doryopteris+cordata&client=firefox-b-d&channel=crow&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjJ4IzizrLjAhWYilwKHemYBKMQ_AUIESgC&biw=1920&bih=944#imgrc=00nshWl7WpYNIM:

https://www.bakker.com/en-gb/p/fern-doryopteris-cordata-M47593

https://www.pumpkinbeth.com/plants/doryopteris-cordata/

More info on growing conditions on above link.

Silver surfer

Today we visited a nearby Garden Centre.
On the indoor fern area was the mystery fern...complete with the hairy dwarf flattened leaves like an oak leaf and the taller fronds.
Label was for Doryopteris cordata.
I thought it looked super...so bought one!