Scaly Male-fern - Dryopteris affinis

A robust fern forming a rosette of fairly erect fronds to 1.2 metres in length. Leaves 1- to 2-pinnate. It has dense, persistent scales on the stems which are gingery in colour.  A small dark mark on the underside of the pinna near the rhachis is characteristic.

There are several subspecies which are difficult to separate

Male fern (D filix-mas)

Dark mark on underside of pinna by rhachis, dense ginger scales

Shady and damp places. Woodland on acid soils.

Semi-evergreen fern.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Occasional and local in Leicestershire and Rutland.