Shenandoah National Park National Park Service

 U.S. Department of the Interior

Full Species List of Ferns & Lycophytes

Ferns can be found in almost any habitat within Shenandoah 

National Park. The park supports 44 species of fern and an 

additional 11 species of related spore-producing plants (fern 

allies) such as club mosses and horsetails. Shenandoah's midAtlantic location straddles the ranges of both northern and 

southern adapted species, resulting in relatively high fern 

diversity. Threats to the park’s ferns include competition from 

invasive exotic plants and habitat changes brought about by 

climate change. 

Some of the largest displays of ferns in the park can be seen along 

the northern section of Skyline Drive near Elkwallow Wayside. 

Here, you can see hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) 

growing throughout the understory for many miles. Wetland fern 

species such as interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana) can be 

viewed along the Limberlost Trail and at the base of the Stony 

Man Trail.

This checklist was compiled on March 10, 2015 using data 

exported from the National Park Service NPSpecies database. The 

database can be accessed at https://irma.nps.gov/NPSpecies/.

Here you will find search tools that make it possible to create 

updated or customized lists. This checklist and others are found 

at https://irma.nps.gov/NPSpecies/Search/SpeciesList/SHEN. Lists 

are currently available for the following: mammals, birds, fish, 

reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, plants (complete list), trees and 

shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, and grasses. Please be advised that 

Latin scientific names often change as a result of new research; 

therefore, scientific names used here may not reflect the most 

current accepted nomenclature.

Huperzia lucidula

Gymnocarpium appalachianum

Asplenium rhizophyllum

Osumunda claytoniana
 Scientific Name Common Names Occ Abd Nat NPS 

Tags

Park Tags GRank SRank

Vascular Plants

Adiantum pedatum maidenhair fern P C N Fe; MF, WL G5 VA: S5

Asplenium bradleyi Bradley's spleenwort P R N MP Fe; RO, XF G4 VA: S2

Asplenium montanum mountain spleenwort P Uc N Fe; MF, RO, XF G5 VA: S5

Asplenium pinnatifidum lobed spleenwort P R N Fe; MF, RO, XF G4 VA: S3

Asplenium platyneuron ebony spleenwort P C N Fe; ME, MF, RO, XF G5 VA: S5

Asplenium resiliens black-stemmed 

spleenwort

P R N Fe; MF, RO, XF G5 VA: S4

Asplenium rhizophyllum walking fern P Uc N Fe; MF, RO G5 VA: S5

Asplenium trichomanes maidenhair spleenwort P Uc N Fe; MF, RO G5 VA: S5

Athyrium filix-femina lady fern P C N Fe; MF, WL G5 VA: S5

Botrychium biternatum sparse-lobed grape fern P Uc N Fe; ME, MF, XF G5 VA: S5

Botrychium dissectum lace-frond grape fern P Uc N Fe; ME, MF, XF G5 VA: S5

Botrychium lanceolatum

ssp. angustisegmentum

narrow lance-leaved 

moonwort

P R N MP Fe; ME, MF, WL

Botrychium matricariifolium daisy-leaved moonwort P Uc N Fe; ME, MF G5 VA: S3S4

Botrychium multifidum leathery grape fern P R N MP Fe; ME G5 VA: S1

Botrychium oneidense blunt-lobed grape fern P R N MP Fe; ME, MF G4 VA: S2

Botrychium simplex least moonwort P R N MP Fe; MF G5 VA: S1

Botrychium virginianum rattlesnake fern P C N Fe; ME, MF, WL, XF G5 VA: S5

Cheilanthes lanosa hairy lip fern P R N Fe; RO, XF G5 VA: S5

Cystopteris protrusa lowland brittle fern P Uc N Fe; MF G5 VA: S5

Cystopteris tenuis Mackay's brittle fern P Uc N Fe; MF G5 VA: S4

Dennstaedtia punctilobula hay-scented fern P A N Fe; ME, MF, RO, WL, XF G5 VA: S5

Deparia acrostichoides silvery spleenwort P Uc N Fe; MF, RO, WL G5 VA: S4

Dryopteris carthusiana toothed wood fern P C N Fe; MF, RO, WL G5 VA: S5

Dryopteris cristata crested wood fern P R N Fe; WL G5 VA: S5

Dryopteris goldiana Goldie's wood fern P R N Fe; MF, WL G4G5 VA: S4

Dryopteris intermedia fancy fern P C N Fe; MF, WL G5 VA: S5

This report is filtered by the following Habitat Type(s), Life Form(s) or Season(s): Life Form: Fern, or Life Form: Lycopod and is filtered by the 

following Taxonomic Categories: Vascular Plants

Bookmark this report: https://irma.nps.gov/NPSpecies/Reports/Park/Species List with Park Tag Filter/SHEN?

UnitCode=SHEN&CategoryCode=11&SortOrder=Sci&ShowSyonyms=False&ShowInReview=False&ParkTags=49,53

Species List with Park Tag Filter Page 1 of 4 6/23/2015 2:47:17 PM

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Species List by Park Tag for Shenandoah National Park (SHEN)

This represents information currently in the NPSpecies data system at the date and time the list was generated. Records are continually 

being added or updated by National Park Service staff. There is a key with definitions at the bottom of the report. To report an error or 

make a suggestion, go to https://irma.nps.gov/npspecies/suggest.
 Scientific Name Common Names Occ Abd Nat NPS 

Tags

Park Tags GRank SRank

Dryopteris marginalis marginal wood fern P C N Fe; MF, RO, WL, XF G5 VA: S5

Equisetum arvense field horsetail P Uc N Fe; ME, MF, WL G5 VA: S5

Equisetum hyemale tall scouring rush P Uc N Fe; MF, WL G5 VA: S5

Gymnocarpium

appalachianum

Appalachian oak fern P Uc N MP Fe; MF, RO, XF G3 VA: S3

Huperzia appalachiana Appalachian fir clubmoss P R N EC, MP Ly; RO G5 VA: S2

Huperzia lucidula shining clubmoss P Uc N EC Ly; MF, WL G5 VA: S5

Isoetes engelmannii strong quillwort P R N Ly; WL G4 VA: S4

Lycopodium annotinum stiff clubmoss P R N EC Ly; ME, MF, WL G5 VA: SNR

Lycopodium clavatum running clubmoss P Uc N EC Ly; ME, MF, WL G5 VA: S5

Lycopodium digitatum fan clubmoss P C N EC Ly; ME, MF G5 VA: S5

Lycopodium obscurum princess pine P Uc N EC Ly; MF, WL G5 VA: S5

Lycopodium tristachyum ground-cedar P Uc N EC Ly; ME, RO, XF G5 VA: S5

Onoclea sensibilis sensitive fern P C N Fe; ME, MF, WL G5 VA: S5

Ophioglossum engelmannii limestone adder's-tongue P R N Fe; RO, XF G5 VA: S3

Ophioglossum vulgatum common adder's tongue P Uc N Fe; ME, MF, WL G5 VA: S5

Osmunda claytoniana interrupted fern P C N Fe; MF, WL G5 VA: S5

Osmunda regalis royal fern P Uc N Fe; ME, WL G5 VA: S5

Osmundastrum

cinnamomea

cinnamon fern P Uc N Fe; MF, WL

Phegopteris hexagonoptera broad beech fern P C N Fe; MF, WL G5 VA: S5

Polypodium appalachianum Appalachian polypody P Uc N Fe; MF, RO, WL, XF G4G5 VA: S4?

Polypodium virginianum rock polypody P Uc N Fe; MF, RO, XF G5 VA: S5?

Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas fern P C N Fe; MF, WL, XF G5 VA: S5

Pteridium aquilinum bracken fern P C N Fe; ME, MF, RO, WL, XF G5 VA: S5

Selaginella rupestris rock spike-moss P Uc N Ly; RO, XF G5 VA: S5

Thelypteris noveboracensis New York fern P C N Fe; ME, MF, WL G5 VA: S5

Thelypteris palustris marsh fern P Uc N Fe; ME, MF, WL G5 VA: S5

Woodsia ilvensis rusty cliff fern P Uc N Fe; RO G5 VA: S4

Woodsia obtusa blunt-lobed cliff fern P Uc N Fe; MF, RO, XF G5 VA: SNR

Woodwardia areolata netted chain fern P Uc N Fe; MF, WL G5 VA: S5

Report Species Count: 55

NPSpecies - The National Park Service biodiversity database. IRMA Portal version. https://irma.nps.gov/npspecies/. Accessed 6/23/2015 

2:47:17 PM

Key

Species List with Park Tag Filter Page 2 of 4 6/23/2015 2:47:17 PM

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Species List by Park Tag for Shenandoah National Park (SHEN)

This represents information currently in the NPSpecies data system at the date and time the list was generated. Records are continually 

being added or updated by National Park Service staff. There is a key with definitions at the bottom of the report. To report an error or 

make a suggestion, go to https://irma.nps.gov/npspecies/suggest.
Code Term Definition

Occurrence (Occ) P Present Species occurs in park; current, reliable evidence available.

PP Probably Present High confidence species occurs in park but current, verified evidence needed.

Un Unconfirmed Species is attributed to park but evidence is weak or absent.

NP Not In Park Species is not known to occur in park.

Abundance (Abd) A Abundant Animals: May be seen daily, in suitable habitat and season, and counted in 

relatively large numbers. Plants, Chromista, Protozoa, and Fungi: Large number 

of individuals; wide ecological amplitude or occurring in habitats covering a large 

portion of the park

C Common Animals: May be seen daily, in suitable habitat and season, but not in large 

numbers. Plants, Chromista, Protozoa, and Fungi: Large numbers of individuals 

predictably occurring in commonly encountered habitats but not those covering 

a large portion of the park

Uc Uncommon Animals: Likely to be seen monthly in appropriate habitat and season. May be 

locally common. Plants, Chromista, Protozoa, and Fungi: Few to moderate 

numbers of individuals; occurring either sporadically in commonly encountered 

habitats or in uncommon habitats

R Rare Animals: Present, but usually seen only a few times each year. Plants, Chromista, 

Protozoa, and Fungi: Few individuals, usually restricted to small areas of rare 

habitat

O Occasional Animals: Occurs in the park at least once every few years, varying in numbers, 

but not necessarily every year. Plants, Chromista, Protozoa, and Fungi: 

Abundance variable from year to year (e.g., desert plants)

U Unknown Abundance unknown

Nativeness (Nat) N Native Species naturally occurring in park or region.

Nn Non-native Species occurring on park lands as a result of deliberate or accidental human 

activities.

U Unknown Nativeness status is unknown or ambiguous.

Nativeness Tags R Restoration Also refers to reintroductions. Native species that has been extirpated or 

substantially diminished from the park as a result of human-induced change, and 

that has been or is in the process of being restored.

C Cultivated Species has been introduced or is maintained as part of the park's mission, 

significance, or cultural landscape (e.g., orchards, crops, fields)

I Invasive Non-native species whose introduction is likely to cause economic or 

environmental harm.

N Noxious Designation by a governmental authority. Species grows aggressively and has 

broad environmental tolerance that allows it to establish in many locations.

NPS Tag (Management) EC Exploitation 

Concern

Species is considered a target for collection, poaching, commercial harvesting, or 

other non-permitted or exploitative activities.

MP Management 

Priority

Species warrants particular management attention as determined by park 

management staff.

NPS Tag (Seasonality) B Breeder Population reproduces in the park.

Species List with Park Tag Filter Page 3 of 4 6/23/2015 2:47:17 PM

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Species List by Park Tag for Shenandoah National Park (SHEN)

This represents information currently in the NPSpecies data system at the date and time the list was generated. Records are continually 

being added or updated by National Park Service staff. There is a key with definitions at the bottom of the report. To report an error or 

make a suggestion, go to https://irma.nps.gov/npspecies/suggest.
NPS Tag (Seasonality) R Resident A significant population is maintained in the park but does not breed within park 

boundaries.

M Migratory Species occurs in the park only while in transition between breeding and 

wintering grounds.

S Summer Typically spending only summer months in the park.

W Winter Typically spending only winter months in the park.

V Vagrant Park is outside of species' usual range.

ParkTags Code Term Definition

Vegetation Life Form Form

Tr Tree Tree

Sh Shrub Shrub

Vi Vine Vine

He Herb Herb

Gr Graminoid Graminoid (grass)

Fe Fern Fern

Ly Lycopod Lycopod

Habitat Hab

AQ Aquatic Within rivers, streams and ponds

CU Cultural Planted by humans, either by pre-park residents or park employees/contractors

FE Forest Edge Forest borders and field margins

ME Meadow Meadows, fields, lawns, forest clearings, and ruderal habitats

MF Mesic forest Mesic and dry-mesic forests; represents a majority of park’s forested area

RO Rock outcrop Exposed and shaded outcrops, boulder fields, talus slopes, and rocky barrens

SS Shrub/Scrub Second growth forest and habitats dominated by shrubs

WL Wetland Riparian areas, seeps, springs, fens, swamps, and wetland hummocks

XF Xeric forest Dry forests, including heath woodlands and shrublands

PW Park wide Park wide

Seasons when the species 

is most easily 

encountered. 

Seas

Sp Spring Spring (Mar, Apr, May)

Su Summer Summer (Jun, Jul, Aug)

Fa Fall Fall (Sept, Oct)

Wi Winter Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb)

All All Year All Year Round

GRank and SRank information is provided by NatureServe (www.natureserve.org) and its network of natural heritage member programs, a leading source of information 

about rare and endangered species, and threatened ecosystems.

Species List with Park Tag Filter Page 4 of 4 6/23/2015 2:47:17 PM

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Species List by Park Tag for Shenandoah National Park (SHEN)

This represents information currently in the NPSpecies data system at the date and time the list was generated. Records are continually 

being added or updated by National Park Service staff. There is a key with definitions at the bottom of the report. To report an error or 

make a suggestion, go to https://irma.nps.gov/npspecies/suggest.