Ferns🌿 Native to the NetherlandsVery hardy — tolerates frost down to -25°C

Brittle bladder-fern

Name: Brittle bladder-fern (Cystopteris fragilis)
Brand: HSMN Planten
SKU: 6a8b5447fab6105c053ceb81
Price: 11.95 EUR
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Cystopteris fragilis

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Brittle bladder fern (Cystopteris fragilis) is a small, native fern with delicate, light green, and finely divided fronds. Its name refers to the bladder-like indusia that partially cover the young spore clusters. The fragile fronds die back in autumn.

Specific care needed

Use a cool wall crevice, rock gap, or stony substrate that retains moisture but allows for aeration. Do not allow the plant to dry out. Due to its vulnerability and rarity, transplanting from the wild is prohibited.

Year calendar

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
🍂Has autumn colour

Pruning period

Do not prune. Only remove loose, dead material without disturbing the root zone.

Botanical profile

Site & soil

Half shade, Shade

Soil type: Loam, Humus-rich

Moisture need: Moderately moist, Moist

pH: Slightly acidic (5.5–6.5), Neutral (6.5–7.5), Chalky (>7.5)

Nutrient richness: Moderately nutrient-rich, Nutrient-rich

Humus content: Humus-poor, Moderately humus-rich

Water drainage: Well draining, Moisture-retentive

Appearance & season

Mature height: 10-35cm

Bloom: Niet van toepassing

Autumn colour: Light yellow to brown; the delicate fronds can die back relatively early.

Properties

Salt sensitive: Yes

Edible: No

Do not consume and never collect from wild populations.

Scent: No notable scent. The delicate foliage emits almost no fragrance.

Creeping rhizome: No

Ecological value

The fine fronds are utilized by small fern-eaters and offer shelter to mites, springtails, spiders, beetles, and snails. The roots and accumulated organic material create a moist microhabitat in rocky crevices.

Food web & Biodiversity

🐛 Caterpillars & mothsUseful

🐝 Bees & bumblebeesLimited

🪰 HoverfliesUseful

🦋 ButterfliesUseful

🪲 Beetles & insectsUseful

🐦 BirdsUseful

🐿️ MammalsUseful

🐞 Other animalsUseful

Its ecological significance lies mainly in the microhabitat formed between moist stones and roots. Small insects and snails use the plant for food or shelter. Due to its small size, it provides little cover for mammals but supports the local wall and soil food web.

Distribution in the Netherlands