![Picture](/uploads/1/0/5/5/10551590/ferns-ersna2007_orig.jpg)
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (ERSNA) is home to numerous species of ferns, as well as the fern "allies" the quillworts (Isoetes) and spike-mosses (Selaginella). Despite the dry, barren appearance of the Rock and the surrounding park, the ferns find homes along streams and springs, and in any crevasse or shaded portion of the main dome, as well as in filled-in vernal pools. Several of the ferns on the dome dry out, coming back to life after it rains.
There are numerous Lip-Ferns (Cheilanthes), and I am fairly certain that I have missed several species, and probably have mixed up a few in my initial identifications. The zig-zag fern (Pellaea ovata) is abundant and rather obvious, dried specimens very much living up to their common name. You can probably spot half a dozen fern species in the first 100 meter climb up the dome, but some can be hard to tell apart without a hand lens and some good study notes. Fret not, however, because even narrowing down to the genus will still give you the satisfaction of discovery and of beginning to read differences and similarities in nature.
There are numerous Lip-Ferns (Cheilanthes), and I am fairly certain that I have missed several species, and probably have mixed up a few in my initial identifications. The zig-zag fern (Pellaea ovata) is abundant and rather obvious, dried specimens very much living up to their common name. You can probably spot half a dozen fern species in the first 100 meter climb up the dome, but some can be hard to tell apart without a hand lens and some good study notes. Fret not, however, because even narrowing down to the genus will still give you the satisfaction of discovery and of beginning to read differences and similarities in nature.
![Picture](/uploads/1/0/5/5/10551590/published/isoetes-sp-ersna2003.jpg?1600657029)
The least impressive but perhaps most interesting are the quillworts, not ferns, but related Lycophytes, who reside in the vernal pools on the dome. One species, the Rock Quillwort (Isoetes lithophila) is present only in Llano and three nearby counties - no where else in the world. But good luck telling it apart from other quillworts. Simply knowing you have seen an Isoetes is probably enough. They may not look like much, but their Devonian ancestors at times could grow to tree-like proportions.
As with any fern hunt, spend some time familiarizing yourself with what you may see, observe the upper and lower side of the fronds and note the growing environment, and don't harm the plants.
Happy Hunting!
As with any fern hunt, spend some time familiarizing yourself with what you may see, observe the upper and lower side of the fronds and note the growing environment, and don't harm the plants.
Happy Hunting!