Yep, Bracken. I always start with 'Ferns of the Northeastern United States" by Farida Wiley, which is a little field guide with drawings. It was first published in 1936, and I'm sure thre are books out there now with nice photos, but this one is very compete for the northeast, has a key, and is small so it's easy to carry around. It's a Dover book so you can probably get it online. Also, the Connecticut Botanical Society has a nice section on ferns on their website; they're probably close enough to Vermont to be useful to you. WW Here is a link that might be useful: CBC Fern Site

Hi Guys... Thanks for pointing me in the right direction... I got several suggestions of "Asparagus fern," which was frustrating to me because I thought that was another name for 'Sprengerii" (sp?) and my fern looked nothing like that. I finally "wised up" (smacking myself up the side of the head) and checked out different varieties, and found it! It is specifically "setaceus" and I see that I am loving and nurturing a common invasive pest. Somewhat like my hubby.. LOL... Well... it does look pretty in a hanging basket! ;) Thanks ya'all!

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Hi there! My guess is that it's a variety of Pteris cretica - there are numerous spore-raised forms. We're fortunate to be able to grow them outside here most winters. Have a look at: http://lh6.ggpht.com/juliaheathcote/SLWTZ3SBttI/AAAAAAAAQ5s/ip63La7hR-A/s400/DSCN2074.JPG - it does look similar. What do you say? Maurice.