What Are the Characteristics of Ferns?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 17, 2020

Some characteristics of ferns are: they are vascular plants, they have roots and leaves (called fronds) and in some cases they have true stems. Ferns and fern allies are Pteridophytes.

Pteridophytes is a phylum under the scientific classification system. There are more than 13,000 species. Like other Pteridophytes, ferns do not have flowers or seeds; they reproduce by spores.

Ferns can be deciduous or evergreen. Each spring, both types send out a batch of fiddleheads, which expand into fronds that live between 6 to 12 months. Most ferns can thrive in either partial or full shade.

Ferns will adapt best to gardens if they are planted during fall.