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Partnerships for New Jersey Plant Conservation

Climbing fern Lygodium palmatum

Drawing by Elayne Leighton

Climbing fern

Climbing fern is a Pinelands listed species and is state ranked S2.

The botanical name for Climbing fern is Lygodium palmatum. This is the only climbing fern found in New Jersey. It grows in dense thickets and can climb to a height of two or three feet. It is often found around small rivers. It is rare in other states as well. Years ago, people picked it for Christmas decorations. According to the Conneticut Botanical Society, it became threatened and consequently a law was passed prohibiting picking Climbing fern. That law was the first plant protection law in the United States.