Hay-scented Fern, Dennstaedtia punctilobula
This lacy fern spreads by underground rhizomes to form large colonies. It is very common in New England woods and meadows and can become a nuisance where it isn't wanted. Unique characteristics include stalks that are covered with numerous short hairs, and spores contained in tiny cuplike structures on the backs of the fronds. A colony of hay-scented ferns is growing in the large planting bed on the Pond side of the Water Department building.