An intermediate sized fern of the eastern U.S., the marsh fern prefers the wet soils of freshwater wetlands.

Fern leaves are called fronds. The shape of the frond and how it is divided helps to identify it. Marsh fern has a sterile frond (a leaf without spores) with many leaflets that are also divided. Marsh fern’s fertile fronds have a profuse amount of spores (fern seeds) on the underside of its leaves.

So, the next time you are in a wetland area and see ferns, you can tell the one you are with to check out those fronds!