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Appalachian polypody is a newly-recognized species very similar to common polypody. They can be distinguished by subtle differences in the shape of the fronds. Appalachian polypody fronds are widest near the base; common polypody fronds tend to be widest near the middle. The tips of the leaflets are blunt in common polypody, and more pointed in Appalachian polypody. For more information on these species, see the Flora of North America Polypodium page.

• Family: Polypodiaceae
• Habitat: rocky slopes, cliffs
• Height: fronds 6-12 inches long
• Location of spores: underside of fronds
• Stipe (leaf stalk): ungrooved; smooth or scattered with thin light-brown scales
• Growth pattern: random
• Persistence: evergreen