Subalpine. Rocks. Summer.
Lizard Head Trail, June 19, 2004.

Cystopteris fragilis is found in many parts of the United States and is the most common fern at high elevations in the San Juan Mountains and nearby mountains of the Four Corners area.  It tucks itself into rock crevices, often fading with summer dryness and reappearing with fall coolness and moisture. At the far left of the top photograph are fronds of Cryptogramma acrostichoides. 

"Cystis" is Greek for "bladder" and refers to a flap of material that covers the fern spores; "pteris" is Greek for "Fern".

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Cystopteris fragilis