P h o t o b y B . E u g e n e W o f f o r d @ T E N N
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Habitat:
Shallow depressions of sandstone and igneous glades and ledges, margins of ponds and sinkhole ponds, and moist depressions and ditches in sand (Steyermark 1963).
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Species Description:
Perennial herb.
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Phenology:
Flowering Period: Early April to late July.
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Additional Information at NatureServe
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Diagnostic Characteristics:
Quillworts are small grassy looking plants that produce spores at their leaf bases. They are allied with ferns. I. melanopoda is distinct in having black leaf bases. The megaspores average under 0.45 mm wide. They occur at seasonally wet sites where they are amphibious in seasonal ponds.
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Management:
Disturbance such as ATV trails, timber removal or any activity that results in increased erosion and weed invasion will be detrimental.
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Global Range:
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Known Kentucky Occurrences:
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