Dryopteris Filix-mas; Male fern

Common Name: Male Fern

Latin Name: Dryopteris Filix-mas

Type: Deciduous/Evergreen/Semi-Evergreen

Location: Milnthorpe, Lake District

Ultimate height: 1 – 1.5m

Ultimate spread: 0.5 – 1m

Located Dryopteris Filix-mas height: 40cm

Leaf Shape: Pinnately divided fronds, Oblong shaped pinnules. Rounded sporangia on underneath of pinnules.

Bark: Tough green, sometimes brown rachis.

Preferred soil type: Both poorly-drained and/or well-drained moist loam, chalk, sand or clay.

Distribution: Unknown

This particular Dryopteris Filix-mas was found within a mixed woodland, amongst a mass of grasses and rock. Its condition was poor, its multiple axis’ were broken and bent upon its self, its leaves were browning. Its location seemed to be self seeded and what seemed to be once well conditioned, now seems deprived of its necessary conditions. The ground conditions were hard, often consisting of rock. I took a sample of lower level soil and carried out soil pH tests which read to have a pH of indicating the soil to be 

My illustration of the Dryopteris Fillip-mas

X Cupressocyparis Leylandii; Leyland Cypress

Common Name: Leyland Cypress

Latin Name: X Cupressocyparis Leylandii

Type: Evergreen

Location: Plattfield Park

Ultimate height: 35m

Ultimate spread: 4 - 8m

Located X Cupressocyparis Leylandii height: 4m

Overall shape: Rounded

Leaf Shape: Mass of individual leaves accumulates a ovate shaped leaf. Individual leaves being scale like, linear shaped; Green in colour.

Bark: Reddish/brown sometimes with ridges running vertically throughout bark.

Preferred soil type: Well-drained sand, clay, chalk or loam.

Fruit/Flowers: Male cones being small, yellow in colour. Located at tip of shoots, releasing pollen in March. Female cones green, gradually turning shiny brown in colour. Rounded shape, up to 3cm wide with approx. 8 scales.

Distribution: N/A (Hybrid man-made)

This particular X Cupressocyparis Leylandii is located in the gardens of a town church against the boundary fence. It is distanced from any other trees or shrubs. From a distance, the tree appeared to be in a slightly poor state due to its scarce branches however, no signs of disease or lack of nutrition was displayed when closely observing and so its condition seemed well. The ground conditions were dry potentially but loose. I took a sample of lower level soil and carried out soil pH tests which read to have a pH of indicating the soil to be 

My illustration of the X Cupressocyparis Leylandii