Dryopteris sp.
Wood fern, Wood Fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Dryopteris sp. (Wood fern) is a non-native California perennial in the Dryopteridaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Pteridium: Dryopteris has round spore covers on frond undersides; bracken fern has continuous spore lines hidden under rolled leaf edges.; vs Athyrium: Dryopteris spore covers are kidney-shaped and attached at the notch; lady ferns have curved, elongated spore clusters.; vs Polystichum: Run your hand along the frond—Dryopteris feels smooth, Polystichum feels distinctly prickly from bristle-tipped teeth.; vs Polypodium: Dryopteris has kidney-shaped covers over spore dots; polypody has naked round spore dots with no covering.; vs Woodwardia: Dryopteris has scattered round spore covers; chain fern has elongated spore clusters arranged in parallel chain-like rows.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dryopteris sp. native to California?
No. Dryopteris sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Dryopteris sp. belong to?
Dryopteris sp. is in the Dryopteridaceae family, genus Dryopteris.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.