ClipArt ETC

The Ferns ClipArt gallery contains 178 illustrations of ferns from around the world. Ferns differ from normal plants (gymnosperms and angiosperms) by having spores instead of seeds, and are vasclar plants, differing from lycophytes by having true leaves, which are also known as megaphylls.

All illustrations in the ClipArt ETC collection are line drawings. If you are looking for color photographs of ferns, please visit the ClipPix ETC website.

A young prothallus of a Maiden-hair and an older one with the first fern-leaf developed from near the notch.

Maiden-hair

A young prothallus of a Maiden-hair and an older one with the first fern-leaf developed from near the…

The Common Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) is a species of male fern in the Dryopteridaceae family.

Common Male Fern

The Common Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) is a species of male fern in the Dryopteridaceae family.

The order marattiaceae, and the maratiia family, consists of stately tropical ferns with thickened, often erect, stems. The leaves are usually very large. The ophioglossaceae order has plants of small or medium size, often somewhat fleshy.

Marattiaceae and Ophioglossaceae

The order marattiaceae, and the maratiia family, consists of stately tropical ferns with thickened,…

Meniscium simplex is a stove fern. The barren fronds are four to six inches long and the fertile are one foot or more long.

Meniscium Simplex

Meniscium simplex is a stove fern. The barren fronds are four to six inches long and the fertile are…

Monogramma is a grass-like fern. The trichoidea variety is a tiny, bark inhabiting plant with thread like leaves. It is native to the Philippines.

Monogramma Trichoidea

Monogramma is a grass-like fern. The trichoidea variety is a tiny, bark inhabiting plant with thread…

Nephrodium fragrans ferns have fronds that are six to nine inches long. The fronds are oblong and lance shaped.

Nephrodium Fragrans

Nephrodium fragrans ferns have fronds that are six to nine inches long. The fronds are oblong and lance…

The nephrodium leuzeanum fern has fronds that are four to six feet long. The pinnae are about one to one and a half feet long. This fern can be found from North India to Fiji.

Habit and Detached Pinnule of Nephrodium Leuzeanum

The nephrodium leuzeanum fern has fronds that are four to six feet long. The pinnae are about one to…

Nephrodium molle corymbiferum has branched fronds that are one to two feet long. The top of each branch has a large crest.

Nephrodium Molle Corymbiferum

Nephrodium molle corymbiferum has branched fronds that are one to two feet long. The top of each branch…

Nephrodium molle grandiceps is a large garden variety with a large terminal crest.

Nephrodium Molle Grandiceps

Nephrodium molle grandiceps is a large garden variety with a large terminal crest.

Nephrodium patens cristata is a garden form with the pinnae curiously forked and crested.

Nephrodium Patens Cristata

Nephrodium patens cristata is a garden form with the pinnae curiously forked and crested.

<i>Nephrolepis bostoniensis</i> is a free growing fern with dark green, spreading leaves. It is good as a pot plant or in baskets.

Nephrolepis Bostoniensis

Nephrolepis bostoniensis is a free growing fern with dark green, spreading leaves. It is good as a pot…

Pictured are a portion of the frond and detached pinna of the nephrolepis davallioides furcans fern. This fern is a beautiful and crested variety. The arching fronds are three to four feet long.

Nephrolepis Davallioides Furcans

Pictured are a portion of the frond and detached pinna of the nephrolepis davallioides furcans fern.…

The fronds of the nephrolepis davallioides fern are drooping and two to three feet long. This fern is said to be the handsomest of the genus.

Habit and Portion of Detached Frond of Nephrolepis Davallioides

The fronds of the nephrolepis davallioides fern are drooping and two to three feet long. This fern is…

Pictured are the habit and a portion of the detached frond of nephrolepis duffii. The fronds are tufted and about two feet long. The tip is two or three times forked.

Nephrolepis Duffii

Pictured are the habit and a portion of the detached frond of nephrolepis duffii. The fronds are tufted…

The leaves of <i>nephrolepis elegantissima compacta</i> are about a foot long, erect, dense, and numerous.

Nephrolepis Elegantissima Compacta

The leaves of nephrolepis elegantissima compacta are about a foot long, erect, dense, and numerous.

The <i>nephrolepis harrisii</i> fern is notable for its wavy leaves.

Nephrolepis Harrisii

The nephrolepis harrisii fern is notable for its wavy leaves.

<i>Nephrolepis magnifica</i> is a free grower of open habit. The leaves are erect and fifteen inches long.

Nephrolepis Magnifica

Nephrolepis magnifica is a free grower of open habit. The leaves are erect and fifteen inches long.

The leaves of <i>nephrolepis muscosa</i> are six to eight inches long and four to five inches broad. The leaves are very firm, wide, and dense.

Nephrolepis Muscosa

The leaves of nephrolepis muscosa are six to eight inches long and four to five inches broad. The leaves…

An illustration of section through a pinnule of the frond and sorus of Aspidium: b, mesophyll; sch, indusium; sp, sporangium; st, its stalk; r, annulus.

Section of a Nephrolepis

An illustration of section through a pinnule of the frond and sorus of Aspidium: b, mesophyll; sch,…

Nothochlaena nivea hookeri ferns have dilated segments and leaves attached at the base.

Frond of Nothochlaena Nivea Hookeri

Nothochlaena nivea hookeri ferns have dilated segments and leaves attached at the base.

Nothochlaena fronds are one to two feet long and one to two inches broad.

Frond of Nothochlaena Sinuata

Nothochlaena fronds are one to two feet long and one to two inches broad.

The fronds of nothochlaena trichomanoides are six to twelve inches long and about to one and a half inches broad. The lower surface is clothed with white powder and fine, woolly hairs.

Frond of Nothochlaena Trichomanoides

The fronds of nothochlaena trichomanoides are six to twelve inches long and about to one and a half…

This illustration shows the sensitive fern, Onoclea: A, portion of normal green leaf. B, a spore-bearing leaf. C, two views of one of the round lobes of B, showing the veins and the sori on inner side of the lobe.

Onoclea

This illustration shows the sensitive fern, Onoclea: A, portion of normal green leaf. B, a spore-bearing…

Ophioglossum vulgatum ambiguum is a smaller form of common adler's tongue. The spike is one to two inches in length.

Ophioglossum Vulgatum Ambiguum

Ophioglossum vulgatum ambiguum is a smaller form of common adler's tongue. The spike is one to two inches…

Osmunda cinnamomea ferns are densely tufted. The barren and fertile fronds are distinct.

Osmunda Cinnamomea

Osmunda cinnamomea ferns are densely tufted. The barren and fertile fronds are distinct.

The fronds of osmunda claytoniana are one to two feet long. This fern can be found in North America and the Himalayas.

Osmunda Claytoniana

The fronds of osmunda claytoniana are one to two feet long. This fern can be found in North America…

Osmunda regalis corymbifera is a variety of royal fern. This fern has curiously forked and crested fronds.

Osmunda Regalis Corymbifera

Osmunda regalis corymbifera is a variety of royal fern. This fern has curiously forked and crested fronds.

The common name of pellaea is cliff brake fern. The brachyptera variety is a greenhouse fern. The fronds are four to six inches long.

Pellaea Brachyptera

The common name of pellaea is cliff brake fern. The brachyptera variety is a greenhouse fern. The fronds…

Pellaea hastata fronds are six inches to two feet long. The fern is native to South Africa.

Pellaea Hastata

Pellaea hastata fronds are six inches to two feet long. The fern is native to South Africa.

Pellaea rotundifolia has round leaves. The fronds are six to twelve inches long. There are ten to twenty leaves on each side of the stems.

Pellaea Rotundifolia

Pellaea rotundifolia has round leaves. The fronds are six to twelve inches long. There are ten to twenty…

A stout fern with brown scales. Fronds range between 1 foot and 3 feet in length, and 1 inch in width.

Polypodium Phyllitidis

A stout fern with brown scales. Fronds range between 1 foot and 3 feet in length, and 1 inch in width.

An illustration of a pinnule of polypodium showing veins and sori.

Pinnule of Polypodium

An illustration of a pinnule of polypodium showing veins and sori.

A Common Polypody, or Polypodium vulgare, leaf and root. The fern is commonly found on walls, river banks, and trees. On the leaf, the common polypody will develop a few spots, called sori, over time.

Leaf and Root of Common Polypody

A Common Polypody, or Polypodium vulgare, leaf and root. The fern is commonly found on walls, river…

An illustration of a young prothallus: sp, spore; pr, prothallus. A prothallium, or prothallus is usually a pteridophyte, i.e. spore-bearing plant, (almost exclusively ferns) in gametophyte stage in the alternation of generations cycle.

Young Prothallus of Fern

An illustration of a young prothallus: sp, spore; pr, prothallus. A prothallium, or prothallus is usually…

An illustration of a microscopic view under the surface of a young prothallus: pr, prothallus; w, root-hairs; an, antheridia; ar, archegonia. A prothallium, or prothallus is usually a pteridophyte, i.e. spore-bearing plant, (almost exclusively ferns) in gametophyte stage in the alternation of generations cycle.

Young Prothallus of Fern

An illustration of a microscopic view under the surface of a young prothallus: pr, prothallus; w, root-hairs;…

The flat, heart shaped body which results from the development of a spore of a fern.

Prothallus (under side)

The flat, heart shaped body which results from the development of a spore of a fern.

An illustration of a pinnule of pteris showing veins and sori.

Pinnule of Pteris

An illustration of a pinnule of pteris showing veins and sori.

Royal fern is the common name of osmunda regalis. The fronds are two to six feet long. This fern is native to Great Britain.

Portion of Fertile Frond of Royal Fern

Royal fern is the common name of osmunda regalis. The fronds are two to six feet long. This fern is…

A wide-creeping fern with long reddish-brown fronds, which grow to be approximately 1 foot in length. They are usually found in New Zealand.

Pteris Scaberula

A wide-creeping fern with long reddish-brown fronds, which grow to be approximately 1 foot in length.…

The spore-case of Schizaea dichotoma, a fern from the Polypodiaceae family.

Schizaea

The spore-case of Schizaea dichotoma, a fern from the Polypodiaceae family.

A very small and simple-leaved Fern.

Schizaea pusilla

A very small and simple-leaved Fern.

Scouring rush is a weed allied to ferns. It is the common name of equisetum hiemale.

Scouring

Scouring rush is a weed allied to ferns. It is the common name of equisetum hiemale.

Scythian lamb is the common name of cibotium barometz. It is a trunkless tree-fern. It is native to China.

Scythian Lamb

Scythian lamb is the common name of cibotium barometz. It is a trunkless tree-fern. It is native to…

An illustration of a sea fern fossil from the carboniferous period. The Carboniferous is a geologic period and system that extends from the end of the Devonian period, about 359.2 &plusmn; 2.5 Ma (million years ago), to the beginning of the Permian period, about 299.0 &plusmn; 0.8 Ma.

Sea Fern Fossil

An illustration of a sea fern fossil from the carboniferous period. The Carboniferous is a geologic…

The Silver Fern (Cyathea dealbata) is a plant in the Cyatheaceae family of tree ferns. It was also known as the synonym Gymnogramme tartarea.

Silver Fern

The Silver Fern (Cyathea dealbata) is a plant in the Cyatheaceae family of tree ferns. It was also known…

Spermatozooid, mature male germ cells, of <i>Adiantum capillus-veneris</i>. Also called spermatozoid.

Spermatozooid of the Southern Maidenhair Fern and Venus Hair Fern

Spermatozooid, mature male germ cells, of Adiantum capillus-veneris. Also called spermatozoid.

Scalariform ducts of a Fern; part of a bundle, prismatic by pressure.

Spiral Ducts

Scalariform ducts of a Fern; part of a bundle, prismatic by pressure.

An illustration of a germinating spore of the common polypody: sp, exospore; k, first root-hair.

Germinating Spore of the Common Polypody

An illustration of a germinating spore of the common polypody: sp, exospore; k, first root-hair.

An illustration of a germinating spore of the common polypody: sp, exospore; k, first root-hair.

Germinating Spore of the Common Polypody

An illustration of a germinating spore of the common polypody: sp, exospore; k, first root-hair.

"Scalariform or ladder-like prismatic vessels of a Tree Fern." &mdash; Encyclopedia Britanica, 1893

Tree Fern

"Scalariform or ladder-like prismatic vessels of a Tree Fern." — Encyclopedia Britanica, 1893

Gymnogramme hispida is a species of tree ferns in the Cyatheaceae family.

Tree Fern

Gymnogramme hispida is a species of tree ferns in the Cyatheaceae family.

Pecopteris, frond of an ancient tree fern, was a form genus of leaves from several unrelated plant groups that flourished the early Carboniferous period and on to c. 250 Ma. Pecopteris first appeared in the Devonian period, but flourished in the Carboniferous, especially the Pennsylvanian. Plants bearing these leaves went extinct around the beginning of the Permian period.

Pecopteris Tree Fern

Pecopteris, frond of an ancient tree fern, was a form genus of leaves from several unrelated plant groups…

A Tree-Fern, Dicksonia arborescens, with a young one near its base. In front a common herbaceous Fern (Polypodium vulgare) with its creeping stem or rootstock.

Tree-Fern

A Tree-Fern, Dicksonia arborescens, with a young one near its base. In front a common herbaceous Fern…

A trembling fern with fronds ranging between 2 feet and 4 feet in length, and 6 inches and 2 feet in width. They are commonly found in greenhouses in New Zealand and Australia.

Pteris Tremula

A trembling fern with fronds ranging between 2 feet and 4 feet in length, and 6 inches and 2 feet in…

Underground fernery consists of a large cavity, dug in the middle of a hill, covered with sheet glass. Ferns are grown inside the cavity. A fountain supplies the necessary moisture.

View of Underground Fernery

Underground fernery consists of a large cavity, dug in the middle of a hill, covered with sheet glass.…

The Walking Fern, Camptosorus, showing its fruit-dots on the veins approximated in pairs.

Walking Fern

The Walking Fern, Camptosorus, showing its fruit-dots on the veins approximated in pairs.

A spore-case from the Walking-Fern, Camptosorus, just bursting by the partial straightening of the incomplete ring.

Walking-Fern

A spore-case from the Walking-Fern, Camptosorus, just bursting by the partial straightening of the incomplete…

Three spores from the Walking-Fern, Camptosorus.

Walking-Fern

Three spores from the Walking-Fern, Camptosorus.