Is "Red Fern" a Real Plant?

Asks for common and scientific name of "red fern" from "Where the Red Fern Grows".

Answer

Likely fictional/mythological. No such plant found in references or online. Could be regional name for fern with reddish stipes (e.g., Lady Fern variant Athyrium filix-femina with red stalks) or reddish emerging fronds/fall color.