noun

• A small delicate fern with rounded spore cases, growing on rocks and walls. Bladder ferns are native to both Eurasia and North America.

  Also called brittle fern

  Genus Cystopteris, family Dryopteridaceae: several species

  ‘Bulbet bladder fern, brittle bladder fern, and slender cliff brake grow among the outcrops here.’

  More example sentences

  • ‘Berry bladder ferns and columbine thrive in shaded parts, while baby lip fern and shad bush bask on sunny rock faces.’
  • ‘More than 30 species of ferns have been identified here, including hay-scented, New York and bladder ferns.’