Ferns and Fern Allies in the Canberra Region

Blechnum minus - Soft Water Fern

Blechnum minus is one of the common water ferns that are widespread in and near fern gullies in the mountains. It is a larger fern than B. nudum, with which it frequently grows. It is somwhat similar to B. wattsii, but the pinnae are narrower and more numerous, less leathery and usually paler. The initial ("basal") pinnae are smaller than those further up the frond, which is the easiest way to distinguish it from B. wattsii. It is frost hardy and thrives in wet areas.

David Nicholls
January 1998