While this fern is a native and present on the East Coast – it has not always been present at Tumbi Wetlands. It was likely a garden escapee that finds the wetland conditions – especially near the storm water flows – very acceptable because of the enrichment that the water brings off the street. This enrichment of storm water is a problem for all indigenous plants as it gives the exotic plants a relative advantage – enabling them to out compete native plants – which are adapted to grow in lower fertility soils. The inset is a new fern frond unfolding – covered with the straw-like growth.(See more details) Created: 04/8/2011