| Summary: | Physiological and morphological properties of a deciduous, perennial fern (Onoclea
sensibilis) and three wintergreen, perennial ferns (Polystichum acrostichoides, Polypodium
virginianum, and Dryopteris intermedia) were examined using leaf fluorescence, chlorophyll a:b
ratios, total chlorophyll content, water potential, and leaf edge to surface area ratios. Onoclea
sensibilis differed significantly from the wintergreen ferns in morphology and physiology for
almost every parameter measured. Interspecific differences were also observed within the
wintergreen group. Dryopteris intermedia differed most within the wintergreen group and showed
more similarity in physiology to O. sensibilis. Dryopteris intermedia was found occupying the
same high-light, higher soil moisture habitat as O. sensibilis, which may indicate that inherent leaf
morphology, physiological characteristics, and a wintergreen or perennial life cycle, play important
roles in determining habitat preference.
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