PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

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

Oregon Woodsia (Woodsia oregana ssp. cathcartiana)

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Photo by Wisconsin Herbarium

 

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Oregon Woodsia (Woodsia oregana ssp. cathcartiana), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found on moist, shaded (occasionally exposed) basaltic or, less commonly, dolomite cliffs. The optimal identification period for this species is late May through September.

Woodsia cathcartiana, Woodsia oregana var. cathcartiana, Woodsia pusilla var. cathcartiana

 
 
 

Oregon woodsia is a fern with lanceolate leaf blades, 1-5cm wide, acuminate, and slightly narrowed below. It has 7-17 pairs of leaflets (subbipinnate or subtripinnate) that are smooth or glandular, but without long hairs. Petioles are dark brown toward the scaly base. Sori are borne on the veins, rotund but with an elongated receptacle. Rhizome scales are light brown. Stipes are dark brown or dark reddish-brown at and above the base.

Rhizomatous. Fruiting occurs mid-summer.

Perennial. The optimal identification period for this species is late-May through September.

Associated species include Pinus strobus, Tsuga canadensis, Polypodium vulgare, and Dryopteris fragrans.

Oregon woodsia prefers rocky soils and is found on moist, shaded (occasionally exposed) basaltic or, less commonly, dolomite 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.