I am drawn to fern croziers or fiddleheads. I think they are one of the most gorgeous things in nature. The beautiful frond to come, is all packaged up in this small little spiral.

Aglaomorpha coronans ‘India’ crozier coming off the rhizome

They are also called fiddleheads and I think it is obvious why they have that name. I wondered where the other name, croziers, came from. After a google search I found they are the hooked staffs carried by bishops in the Catholic church. Whatever you choose to call them, they are wonderful!

Aglaomorpha coronans ‘India’

Aglaomorpha coronans ‘India’ fern crozier with the furry rhizome it is growing from

Crozier of Aglaomorpha coronans ‘India’

Here are some pictures of fiddleheads at conservatories.

Fern at Fairchild Tropical Garden

Fern at Fairchild Tropical Garden

Blechnum fern at Longwood Gardens

Blechnum fern at Longwood Gardens

And one near and dear to my heart-my great grandma’s fern with a an unfurling frond.

My Boston Fern

Next time you see a fern, look a little closer and notice the croziers/fiddleheads unfurling. They are nature’s small works of art.