D110-2012 ferns type A (one of four types)
Heathdale area

Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
April 20, 2012
(nex5n)
D110-2012 ferns type C (one of four types)
Heathdale area
Something about the way the fronds of this fern unfurl, curving backward as it were, suggest a creature that is stretching upon being awakened from a long winter's sleep.  The body language of ferns.
Another tiny fly makes its appearance in this shot.

Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
April 20, 2012
(nex5n)
D110-2012 ferns type A (one of four types)
Heathdale area
Each emerging frond in this particular patch had two pairs of darkened leaflets.  Another patch of this same type of fern lacked this feature though it was situated not more than a few hundred feet away in a similar location in terms of exposure to light, wind, and water.  Closer examination of the dark 'leaflets' shows them to be comprised of tiny spherical blobs, not the usual flatter flesh of leaves.  Are these reproductive features?

Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
April 20, 2012
(nex5n)
D110-2012 ferns type C (one of four types)
Heathdale area

Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
April 20, 2012
(nex5n)
D110-2012 ferns type C (one of four types)
Heathdale area

Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
April 20, 2012
(nex5n)
D110-2012 ferns type C (one of four types)
Heathdale area

Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
April 20, 2012
(nex5n)
D110-2012 ferns type B (one of four types)
Heathdale area

Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
April 20, 2012
(nex5n)
D110-2012 ferns type A (one of four types)
Heathdale area

Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
April 20, 2012
(nex5n)
D110-2012 ferns type A (one of four types)
Heathdale area

Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
April 20, 2012
(nex5n)
D110-2012 ferns type A (one of four types)
Heathdale area

Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
April 20, 2012
(nex5n)
D110-2012 ferns type A (one of four types)
Heathdale area

Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
April 20, 2012
(nex5n)
D110-2012 ferns type A (one of four types)
Heathdale area

Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
April 20, 2012
(nex5n)
See photo in original gallery.