Diagnostic Characteristics
Translucent projections on pinnule margins mostly 1-2-celled, occasionally filamentous; spores averaging 44-52 um.; largest pinnae divided into 3-7 pairs of closely spaced pinnules, pinna apices usually abruptly tapered to rounded. W. neomexicana is distinguished from W. mexicana by its completely filamentous indusial segments, reduced glandularity, and more northerly distribution (FNAEC 1993).
Habitat
Sandstone or igneous substrates (FNAEC 1993); grows on shrubby hillsides and in open sparsely vegetated habitats nearly always associated with rocks, in crevices, on cliffs, on talus slopes, on ledges, on boulders, old stone walls, and in rocky soil (Tryon & Tryon 1982).
Reproduction
Woodsia neomexicana traditionally has been identified as W. mexicana. Both taxa are tetraploid and may share one parent. Isozyme data suggest that W. neomexicana is an allotetraploid hybrid between W. phillipsii and the diploid progenitor of W. oregana subsp. cathcartiana. W. neomexicana hybridizes with W. oregana subsp. cathcartiana and W. phillipsii to produce sterile tetraploids and triploids, respectively. (FNAEC 1993)