Question

6ft tall fern   What is this fern called? They are all over the property I'm renting. Some are over 6ft tall and they only have been growing for about 1 month. I am located in north west Indiana. Thank you

Answer
Following up:

I have shown your photo to a few of my colleagues.  One felt that it was a species of "Woodwardia", which was also my initial notion.  However, after studying photos of the Woodwardia native to your region, I am not confident in this answer.  The other colleagues felt that this was probably not a fern, but a flowering plant with fern-like leaves.  The way to know for sure is by inspecting the undersides of the leaves for spores.  If the plant produces spores, then it is a fern.  If it flowers, then of course it it not a fern.  I am sorry I could not provide you with a more definitive answer.

DC




Samantha hi;

From the photo provided, I am not able to make a positive identification.  I have a few ideas, but do not wish to steer you wrong.  I have forwarded the image to some of my colleagues, and will wait to see what they say.

Thanks for the challenge!

DC