Andrew Chick Ecology

The Beech Fern (scientific name: Phegopteris connectilis, also known as Thelypteris phegopteris) is a species of fern commonly found in cool, moist, shaded forest environments, especially in deciduous woodlands. It typically grows under beech trees, which is how it gets its common name.

Its main identifying features are the two opposite and backwardly-directed leaflets set at an angle of about 90° to each other. The leaves are up to 50cm long and either taper to the tip, or taper both to the tip and to the rachis.

In Cumbria I find this fern alot in ‘nice’ oak woodland.

For UK distributuion see https://plantatlas2020.org/atlas/2cd4p9h.x7e

For Cumbria see the excellent https://www.cumbriabotany.co.uk/the-flora-of-cumbria-recording-group/flora-distribution-maps/#Phegopteris_connectilis

Identification:

• Fronds: The fern has light green, triangular fronds that are delicate and feathery in appearance. The fronds taper toward the base.
• Height: Typically grows between 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) in height.
• Shape: The fronds have a graceful arching shape and are attached to the stem without a joint.
• Sori: Beech ferns reproduce via spores, which are found on the undersides of their fronds in clusters called sori. These sori are found near the edges of the leaves.

Habitat:

• Preferred Locations: It thrives in moist, shaded environments, often in northern temperate regions.
• Soil: Prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soils with organic matter. It is often found growing in leaf litter or moss.
• Associations: Commonly associated with beech and other hardwood trees, making it a component of beech-maple and mixed forest ecosystems.