Woodsia alpina (Bolton) Gray

Nomenclature

Woodsia alpina (Bolton) Gray, commonly called alpine woodsia, is also known by the common names northern woodsia and alpine cliff fern.

General Distribution

This fern occurs at northern latitudes across North America and Eurasia.

Habitat

It typically grows in crevices, scree slopes, and cliffs made of slate and calcareous rocks, especially limestone.

Distribution Range Pattern

Its distribution is circumpolar.

North American Distribution (Canada & Greenland)

In North America, it grows across most of northern and western Canada, as well as in the coastal areas of Greenland.

US Conservation Status

In the United States, the species is classified as threatened or endangered in Maine, Vermont, Michigan, and New York.

European Distribution (Mainland)

It can be found in multiple European countries, including Norway and Sweden.

Asian Distribution

Across Asia, it has a scattered distribution, with notable large populations in the Ural and Altai mountains.

UK Distribution

In the United Kingdom, it only grows in Angus, Perthshire, and Argyll in Scotland, and in north Wales.

Scottish Conservation Status

In Scotland, where it sits at the edge of its natural range, Woodsia alpina is considered near threatened.

UK Protection Status

It has been a protected species in the UK since 1975 under the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act.