Northern beech fern

Although it is able to grow in open sites, this fern forms the densest colonies in shady woods. In deciduous forests, it is often found mixed with yellow birch, but not beech. Farther north, it mixes with black ash, balsam poplar, speckled alder and various species of willow. In addition to shade, it prefers humus-rich, moist, but well-drained and fairly acidic soil.