The ferns are coming up.
We only have 4 kinds of ferns in the woods and you'd think it would be easy to Google ID them, but I had to do a bit of chasing around to figure out exactly what these were. I started here for general ID purposes. Those pics gave me the family I was looking for.
Usually I like to use the Latin name, because sites that use the Latin generally have more complete information.
Generally. In this case, I didn't get very far until I used the common name. That got me another Latin name - the right one - which got me a lot more information and a firmer ID.
This is the Sensitive Fern. Onoclea sensibilis. It loves the creek - especially where it floods a lot. I like it because it gets tall enough to hide other, less attractive weeds. [You know who you are.] and it looks like it's there on purpose instead of just a happy accident.
This fern shoots up a seed stalk that's about 30 inches tall and turns brown and lasts through the winter. Very distinctive. If you think you have these, look for the stalk. It's a great way to ID these through the winter.