Section 2.7: Aemulae Fraser-Jenk.

Intermediate between sections Pallidae and Lophodium. Fronds 3-pinnate, deltate or widely triangular-lanceolate; scales on base of stipe lanceolate, matte and concolorous. Spores not minutely spinulose.

31. Dryopteris aemula (Aiton) Kuntze (Rev. Gen. Pl. 2: 812. 1891).—Hay-scented wood-fern, hay-scented buckler fern.—Fig. 32.

Rhizome erect or ascending. Fronds 20-75 cm long; stipe dark purple-brown toward the base, becoming green near the blade, 1/2 to as long as the blade, the scales scattered, very narrowly lanceolate, pale brown; blade bright yellow-green, triangular-ovate, 3-pinnate-pinnatifid at the base, the basiscopic pinnules of the basal pinnae longer than the other pinnules; pinnules concave on the adaxial side, the margins curled upwards, giving a distinct crinkled appearance; ultimate segments triangular-lanceolate, lobed and bearing acute teeth; stipe, rachis, midrib and blade bearing minute sessile glands. Sori submedial to medial, indusia bearing minute sessile glands on the margin.

Dryopteris aemula is a sexual diploid species native to Europe, where it grows in moist, acidic soils of shady woods, banks or hedgerows. It may be recognized by the drooping frond tips and the crinkled appearance of the pinnules resulting from the upward curving of the pinnules, the dark purple-brown stipe, and the concolorous light brown, very narrowly lanceolate stipe scales. Drying fronds emit a fragrance reminiscent of freshly mown hay.

Although slow growing, the hay-scented wood-fern is easily cultivated . It prefers shady, well-drained soils and high humidity. It is semi-deciduous. In the wild it grows in areas where the average January temperature reaches ca. 45° F.