Ferns and Sedges at Laurel Creek

Having got an early start on work tasks Friday, mid-afternoon I took off to check out a neat find my co-worker Andrew had made in a rich forest in Waterloo.  The next three photos are Carey's Sedge (Carex careyana), a species ranked S2 provincially and found generally in rather high quality forest habitats.

I have seen Carey's Sedge a few times this spring and it's interesting to see just how large the perigynia (the seeds) get at maturity.  

I had never been to this forest before and as it turned out there is an impressive sedge and fern diversity to explore.  The tiny hairs on the leaves below lend themselves to the name Pubescent Sedge (Carex hirtifolia).

A blurry photo of the fruiting bodies.

Loose-flowered Sedge (Carex laxiflora) is found in rich maple-beech forests.  The similar Finely-nerved Sedge (Carex leptonervia) lacks the numerous and prominent veins (kind of like ridges) on the perigynia.

I realize these all look the same to some :) but for those who enjoy exploring the world of sedges finding a goodie like Hitchcock's Sedge (Carex hitcockiana) is a good day out!

Moving to ferns, some are relatively common in rich forest habitats in Waterloo Region, such as Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum).

New York Fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis) is often distinguished by the two tapering ends of the frond as New Yorker's "burn the candle at both ends".

A less common fern, Silvery Glade Fern (Deparia acrostichoides) can be identified by unique sori (the capsules on the leaf underside which release spores - too early to see them on these plants).

The hairy rachis (stem) of the frond is diagnostic for the species.

Off to pack, the forests of Sault Ste. Marie area (aka the blood donor clinic) tomorrow!