Woodsia

Family Woodsiaceae. Rock ferns, often found on calcareous mountain cliffs of the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere.

This is the largest genus of the family, including almost all species. These ferns are characterized by the presence of an articulation on the frond stalk (stipe). After the frond dies, it breaks off at the articulation, while the remaining part of the stipe persists for quite a long time. As a result, many Woodsia species form a tuft of the remaining stipe bases, likely protecting the young fronds. Indusia are membranous mixed with the sporangia, or cup-shaped.

Woodsias are recommended to be grown on shaded rock gardens (only the northern Woodsia grows well in light), planting them in crevices between stones or in gravel. They do not tolerate stagnant moisture and can rot in wet winters. The soil should be slightly acidic or neutral in reaction, without excess lime, poor, loose, with the addition of coarse-grained sand. Woodsias are propagated by division at the end of April and by spores. Ten species are found in the territory of the former USSR.