PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

 
 
   
 
Scientific Name Common Name Global Rank State Rank Federal Status WI Status

Braun's Holly-fern (Polystichum braunii)

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Photo by Stephen L. Solheim

 

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Braun's Holly-fern (Polystichum braunii), a Wisconsin Threatened plant, is found in the rich, hardwood or mixed conifer-hardwood forests near ravine bottoms. It is also often found in areas of cold air drainage, on gentle to moderately steep rocky forested slopes, and at the bases of moist cliffs. This species can be identified year-round.

Aspidium braunii, Polystichum braunii ssp. purshii, Polystichum braunii var. purshii

 
 
 

Braun's holly-fern has leaves that are 3-9dm, with petioles 13-18cm, and densely scaly. Blades are lanceolate, 7-17cm wide, and taper to a sharp point at the tip, reduced below, essentially bipinnate. Pinnae are in 30-40 pairs, and taper to a sharp point at the tip, alternate above, the lower are nearly opposite. Pinnules are in 9-15 pairs on the larger pinnae, ovate and triangular to oblong, acute, with tiny incurved teeth along the margins. Sori are in a single row on each side of the midrib. Indusia are pale and slightly lobed.

Rhizomatous. Fruiting occurs mid-summer.

Perennial. This species can be identified year-round.

Associated species include Acer saccharum, Betula alleghaniensis, Tilia americana, Tsuga canadensis, Athyrium thelypterioides, Ostrya virginiana, Dryopteris carthusiana, D intermedia, Cystopteris bulbifera, Asarum canadense, and Erythronium americanum.

Braun's holly-fern prefers neutral soils and is found in the rich, hardwood or mixed conifer-hardwood forests near ravine bottoms. It is also often found in areas of cold air drainage, on gentle to moderately steep rocky forested slopes, and at the bases of moist cliffs.

Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides and use care with spot spraying.

Avoid direct disturbance to sensitive microsites such as seeps, cliffs, and moss-covered boulders.

This species overwinters above ground, meaning that seasonal restrictions like conducting the a project on frozen ground will not result in avoidance. Therefore, known individual plant locations should be avoided year-round. Consult with a biologist, if needed.

Follow BMPs, especially around streams and use care near ravines, steep slopes, cliffs, rock outcrops, etc.

Buffer management around unique microhabitats such as ephemeral ponds, seeps, etc.

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.