About Thelypteris palustris Schott
The fronds of Thelypteris palustris Schott are erect to ascending, with an elliptic to lanceolate shape. They measure 1 to 2.5 feet in length and 4 to 7 inches across, and bear 10 to 40 pairs of leaflets. Its leaves are pinnately lobed, with the middle pinna being the widest section. The leaves are over 6 inches long and 3 to 6 inches wide. Sori grow on the undersides of the smaller fertile leaves. The stem is tan to purplish in color and hairless. Thelypteris palustris Schott has been studied for potential use in phytoremediation. Ex situ experiments have shown that this species significantly reduces levels of Zn²+ and Cu²+, which are the primary heavy metal outputs from intensive livestock production. Studies have produced mixed results on whether this fern is a good candidate for remediating arsenic-contaminated soil.
