Identifying a 6-Foot Mystery "Fern" in Northwest Indiana

A renter in northwest Indiana finds 6-foot-tall fern-like plants that appeared within a month. Photos show a tall, upright plant with feathery foliage. Experts are divided: some suggest Woodwardia (chain fern), others think it's a flowering plant with fern-like leaves.

How to Tell for Sure

• Check leaf undersides for spores: Ferns reproduce via spores (usually brown/orange dots in rows).
• Watch for flowers: If it blooms, it's not a fern.

Likely Candidates

• Woodwardia virginica (Virginia chain fern) – native to region, can reach 4–6 ft
• Aruncus dioicus (goatsbeard) – flowering perennial with ferny foliage
• Thalictrum spp. (meadow rue) – similar appearance, flowers in summer

Without spore confirmation, a definitive ID isn't possible. The rapid growth suggests a vigorous perennial, possibly taking advantage of disturbed soil. Monitor for spores or flowers to solve the mystery.