sensitive fern

noun

a common, widely distributed fern, Onoclea sensibilis, having large, triangular leaves and beadlike spikes that contain the spores.

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15; so called from the sensitivity of its foliage to frost

The sensitive fern is so called from its being very sensitive to frost.

Not to mention, among inferior orders, wool-grass and the sensitive fern.

In the midst of the marsh were rows of the fruit-stems of the sensitive fern, which is the first to blacken before the frost.

Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern), very common along the riversides; some on the gravelly shore of Heron Lake Island.

As in the sensitive fern there are many curious gradations between the fertile and sterile fronds, both in shape and fruitfulness.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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