Onocleaceae

Defining Characteristics

• Strongly dimorphic fronds — separate sterile (photosynthetic) and fertile (spore-bearing) fronds
• Fertile fronds with pinnae modified into hard, bead-like structures enclosing sporangia
• Creeping, branching rhizomes
• Coarse-textured sterile fronds, deciduous

Notable Genera

• Matteuccia (ostrich fern)
• Onoclea (sensitive fern)

Notes

One of the smallest fern families. Taxonomic placement has varied — sometimes included in Woodsiaceae or Dryopteridaceae, but molecular data supports recognition as a distinct family. Includes Matteuccia struthiopteris, the source of commercially harvested fiddleheads, and Onoclea sensibilis, the sensitive fern named for its sensitivity to frost.