Silver Fern

"A beautiful plant... how it shimmers. Like light reflected on a gently babbling brook. Unique, and the key to binding." - Fae Binder

Silverfern is a fern plant that begins life as green as any other new growth and darkens to a silvery color as it reaches maturity.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Each plant consists of one frond with 40 individual leaf spines fanning out from it.

Genetics and Reproduction

Silverfern reproduces by releasing spores from the wart like growths that dot the leaves shortly after reaching maturity.

Growth Rate & Stages

Silverfern reaches maturity approximately after 60 days. It begins as a single sprout, growing upward. The frond remains curled until the leaves growth forces it straight out and they fan after approximately 45 days. They begin to silver around 55 days. After 60 days they develop hard nodules in intervals across the leaves, approximately 3 to each leaf. at 70 days, the fern releases spores into the air. By day 80, the fern wilts, withers, and dies back.

Ecology and Habitats

The optimal environment for Silverfern is in a shaded and moist environment with plenty of water and detritus with loose soil, such as forest floors and creek beds. Several species of deer find this plant to be delectable, while the withered stalks and leaves act as an insect repellent to boles and boring insects. Trees absorbing the soil of a dead Silverfern have been observed having thin veins of the silvery color running through wood and untouched by insects.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Silverfern is used to create Arcane inks for its odd properties. Of note, it is particularly strong against the Fae folk and their blood. In proper quantities, it can be toxic to Fae. In lower dosages, it can inhibit their abilities.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Forests and creeks of Elvalon

Lifespan

80 days

Conservation Status

Silver Fern is cultivated, grown in special greenhouses at Vyras. They are abundant in the wild as well, thriving even as the residents of Vyras take good care of their resource.

Average Height

9 inches

Average Length

13 inches from base to stalk tip