I stumbled across a sea of sword fern that is showing signs of drought during my annual Fern Watch field campaign last week. Along the Damnation Creek Trail at Del Norte Redwoods State Park, the typically green carpet of sword fern was undeniably marked by dried, brown, crispy fern fronds. A typically wet temperature forest perched on a ridge, this forest must be reeling from the below-average rainfall and warm spring.

By the looks of it, the newest cohort of fronds that emerged this spring appear to still be green while the older fronds are showing uncharacteristic signs of strain. It may be that the less-than-ideal weather of late has triggered the ferns to drop their old fronds sooner then normal to conserve water for their new ones. I think the ferns will pull through, though I’m still in shock at seeing my lovely ferns in such a state.

Is it too early in the summer to start doing my rain dance?