Family Code: CYSTOP Genus Code: CYSTO Genus CN: bladderfern Genus Authority: Bernh. Genus Summary: A genus of about 20-30 species, sub-cosmopolitan in distribution, primarily of temperate regions but also in montane to alpine settings in tropical regions. Genus Identification: Identification notes: See Woodsia for suggestions on distinguishing between Cystopteris and Woodsia, somewhat similar ferns often confused. Hybrids frequently occur where two or more species of Cystopteris grow in proximity. The following hybrids may be anticipated in our area: Cystopteris bulbifera × tennesseensis, Cystopteris bulbifera × tenuis[= C. ×illinoensis R.C. Moran], Cystopteris fragilis × tenuis, Cystopteris protrusa × tennesseensis, Cystopteris protrusa × tenuis, Cystopteris tennesseensis × tenuis[= C. ×wagneri R.C. Moran]. Genus References: Rothfels et al. (2104); Haufler, Moran, & Windham in FNA (1993b); Wang & Haufler in FoC (2013); Haufler, Windham, & Ranker (1990); Kramer et al. in Kramer & Green (1990). Last Updated: 2019-11-29 Publish: 1