Monday, March 3, 2014
Dryopteris Ferns
A genus of very diverse and beautiful Ferns that make excellent additions to the shaded landscape. They are very low maintenance, left alone by insects, disease and even deer.
* photo taken on May 8 2010 @ McCrillis Gardens, Bethesda, MD
* photos taken on Oct 30 2011 in Columbia, MD
Dryopteris aemula ( Hay-scented Wood Fern )
An erect Fern, forming a clump up to 2 x 2 feet, that is a widespread native of Europe, east to the Caucasus.
The hay-scented, finely-divided, evergreen fronds, up to 30 x 6 inches, are bright green.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in partial to full shade on fertile, moist, acidic soil.
Dryopteris affinis
A Fern, forming a deciduous clump up to 5 x 5 feet, that is native to woodlands from Europe to the Caspian Sea as well as northern Africa.
The fronds are up to 40 x 8 inches.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in partial to full shade. Tolerant of sun in cooler climates on moist soil.
The King ( Crested Male Fern )
A spectacular, graceful, fast growing, semi-evergreen monster of a Fern that reaches a maximum size of 5 x 5 feet.
The arched fronds, up to 6 inches across, have lightly crested leaflets.
* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery
Dryopteris amurensis ( Amur Wood Fern )
A small evergreen Fern, reaching up to 2 feet, that is native to conifer forests of eastern Siberia, northeast China, Korea and Japan.
The fronts are up to 20 x 8 inches.
Hardy zones 4 to 8.
Dryopteris arguta ( Coastal Wood Fern )
A medium size evergreen Fern reaching a maximum size of 3 x 4 feet, that is native from southwestern British Columbia, south to Baja California with a separate range in central Arizona.
The double pinnate, triangular fronds are up to 40 x 12 inches in size.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( hardiest clones zone 7 ) this Fern does not grow in the hot humid eastern U.S.
Dryopteris x australis ( Dixie Wood Fern )
A rare sterile hybrid that is a vigorous, large Fern, up to 5 x 6 feet, that is sometimes found in the southeastern U.S. It is a hybrid between Dryopteris celsa & D. ludoviciana.
The spectacular, coarse, broad, erect fronds, up to 5 feet in length, are glossy deep green. The foliage is semi-evergreen, on from zone 7 and south is evergreen. This incredibly lush beautiful Fern looks like it belongs in a tropical rainforest rather than the eastern U.S. / Canada.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 in partial to full shade. This Fern is sterile and can only be reproduced by division or tissue culture. Prefers moist soil but it is somewhat drought tolerant once fully established.
* photo taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on June 7 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on July 21 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 26 2013 in Columbia, MD
Dryopteris bissetiana ( Beaded Wood Fern )
A small evergreen Fern, forming a clump up to 2 x 2 feet, that is native to China, Korea and Japan. The textured, leathery, triangular fronds, up to 2 x 1 feet, are glossy deep green all year.
The new fronds emerge during early summer.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 in partial to full shade.
Dryopteris campyloptera ( Mountain Wood Fern )
A medium size, deciduous Fern, that is native to cool, moist woods in eastern North America from Newfoundland, south to New York ( also from Maryland to Georgia in mountains ).
The double pinnate, broad triangular fronds are up to 36 x 12 inches.
Hardy zones 3 to 7.
Dryopteris carthusiana ( Toothed Wood Fern )
Also called Dryopteris spinulosa. A medium-sized, semi-evergreen Fern, reaching up to 3.5 x 3 feet, that is native to swampy woods in northern North America ( including much of central and eastern U.S. ) and boreal forests of Eurasia.
The very frilled, double-pinnate fronds, up to 42 x 12 inches, are deep green, turning to yellow in autumn.
Hardy zones 1 to 7 in partial to full shade on moist to wet soil that is rich in humus. It not only tolerates but absolutely loved wet sites. Very easy to grow and great for naturalizing in woodland gardens.
* photos taken on July 17 2012 in Columbia, MD
Dryopteris caucasica ( Caucasian Wood Fern )
A medium sized, deciduous Fern, reaching up to 3 feet in height, that is native to mountain forests between the Black and Caspian Seas as well as Turkey and northwest Iran.
The fronds, up to 40 x 8 inches, are bright green.
Hardy zones 5 to 8
Dryopteris celsa ( Log Fern )
Considered to be a hybrid between Dryopteris goldiana & D. ludoviciana. A very erect, fast growing, semi-evergreen Fern, reaching up to 52 inches x 4 feet, that is native to the southeast U.S. scattered north to Michigan and New York. It spreads by rhizomes but is not invasive.
The large triangular fronds, up to 48 x 12 inches, are glossy bright green turning to deep green.
Hardy zones 3 to 9 in partial to full shade on moist, fertile, acidic soil. Easy to grow and tolerant of swampy conditions. It is often found growing on old rotted logs in the wild.
* photo taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on May 8 2010 @ McCrillis Gardens, Bethesda, MD
* photos taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
Dryopteris championii ( Champions Wood Fern )
A very handsome, strong growing, evergreen Fern, reaching a maximum size of 3 x 4 feet, that is native to China, Korea and Japan.
This Fern has very attractive, broadly triangular fronds, up to 36 x 12 inches, that even remain erect and deep glossy green all winter long. The fresh foliage is verdant bright green upon emerging in spring before deepening in color. There are very few Ferns that look so beautiful after a fresh snowfall.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 and easy to grow in partial to full shade on typical moderately moist soil.
* photo taken on annual Horticultural Society of Maryland Garden Tour
* photos taken on Aug 18 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Oct 17 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 14 2012 in Columbia, MD
Dryopteris clintoniana ( Clintons Shield Fern )
A medium-sized, evergreen Fern reaching up to 4 feet that is native to swampy woods of eastern North America from Michigan to Nova Scotia, south to Pennsylvania.
The bipinnate leathery fronds, up to 48 x 8 inches,are divided into 10 to 15 pairs of lance shaped pinnae, up to 5 inches in length, ach with deeply lobed and cut subleaflets. The erect stalks are slender and blackish.
Hardy zones 3 to 6 in partial to full shade on fertile moist soil. Flood tolerant.
Dryopteris crasshirhozima ( Thick Stemmed Wood Fern )
A stately, semi-evergreen Fern, reaching a maximum size of 4.5 x 3.5 feet, that is native to woodland slopes in eastern Russia, Manchuria, Korea and Japan. An excellent choice for a focal point in the landscape.
The erect arching fronds, up to 5 x 1 ( rarely over 3.3 x 1 ) feet in size, are glossy green above, brown hairy beneath. Up to 10 fronds are borne from a massive rhizome up to 4 inches across.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in partial to full shade. Drought tolerant and easy to grow.
* photo taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
Dryopteris cristata ( Crested Wood Fern )
A Fern, forming a clump up to 3 x 3 feet, that is native to swampy woods of northern North America & northern Eurasia.
The leathery fronds, up to 24 x 5 inches, are not crested.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in partial to full shade on fertile, moist soil.
Dryopteris cycadina ( Shaggy Wood Fern )
Also called Dryopteris atrata. A moderate growing, semi-evergreen to evergreen Fern reaching a maximum size of 4 x 3 feet, that is native to dense forests on mountain slopes in the Himalayas, China and Japan.
The striking, stiff, heavily-textured leathery fronds, up to 40 x 8 inches, are bright golden-green at first, turning to very deep green. The stems are densely covered in black scales.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in partial to full shade on moist to wet soil rich in humus. Very easy to grow. Mulch is recommended during winter.
* photo taken on May 8 2010 @ McCrillis Gardens, Bethesda, MD
Dryopteris dilitata ( Broad Buckler Fern )
A large, vigorous Fern forming a graceful broad clump, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 4 feet. The Broad Buckler Fern is a widespread native to acid woods of North America, Eurasia and South Africa. Looks great planted next to water.
The elegant, broad triangular deciduous to semi-evergreen fronds, reaching up to 72 x 15 ( rarely over 40 x 10 ) inches, are deep green. The bipinnate fronds divide into 10 to 15 pairs of lance-shaped pinnae, up to 5 inches in length, having deeply toothed and lobed leaflets.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in partial to full shade on fertile, moist, slightly acidic soil that is rich in humus. Somewhat drought tolerant and will also grow very well on wet sites.
Crispa Whiteside
Crispy deep green fronds, up to 16 inches in length.
Jimmy Dyce
A very attractive, stiffly erect, deciduous Fern reaching up to 4 x 4 feet with a domes central crown.
The stiff upright, broadly triangular leaves are rich blue-green.
Lepidota Cristata ( Crested Broad Buckler Fern )
Reaches up to 3.5 x 4 feet with broad, dainty, blue-green fronds with very finely cut leaflets.
Recurvata ( Recurced Broad Buckler Fern )
A vigorous, graceful Fern reaching up to 5 x 4 feet, with broad triangular, recurving, deep green fronds with drooping leaflets giving it a graceful appearance.
Dryopteris erythrosora ( Autumn Fern )
A very beautiful, moderate growing, evergreen Fern, forming a clump up to 3.5 x 4.5 feet, that is native to forests of China, Korea, Japan and the Phillipines. It can be massed and used as a groundcover.
The broad triangular fronds, up to 48 x 14 ( rarely over 24 x 10 ) inches, are orangish-red during spring, maturing to glossy deep green by early summer. The stems are glossy reddish-brown. The bipinnate fronds are composed of 8 to 20 pairs of lance-shaped pinnae, up to 8 inches in length, with deeply cut and lobed leaflets.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in partial to full shade on moist, fertile soil that is rich in humus. Easy to grow. If placed on a shaded site, it becomes heat and drought tolerant.
* photo taken on Mar 7 2013 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
Brilliant
Similar but with new fronds even more intensely lustrous orange, turning to glossy green but retaining orange tints.
* photos taken on May 5 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on annual Horticultural Society of Maryland Garden Tour
* photo of unknown internet source
* photos taken on May 14 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 17 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 18 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
Purpurescens
Similar except with the new fronds being bronze with a red-purple rachis. This very beautiful Fern continues to produce new fronds all season long.
Dryopteris expansa ( Northern Wood Fern )
Among the most cold hardy of all landscape plants, this Fern forms a semi-evergreen clump up to 3 x 4 feet, and is native to cool moist woods of North America from Alaska to Newfoundland and Greenland, south to central California, Idaho, Wyoming, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. It is also native to northern Eurasia, south in mountains to Spain and Greece in southern Europe, to Japan.
The fronds, up to 2 feet or rarely 40 x 12 inches, are deep green.
This Fern can be grown from zone 1 to 5 in a cool, moist, shady environment. In the wild it is often found along stream banks in coniferous forests.
* photo of unknown internet source
Dryopteris felix-mas ( Male Fern )
A large, upright, deciduous to evergreen Fern reaching a maximum size of 5 x 5 feet, that is native to northern Eurasia, western North America and the Great Lakes ( Michigan to Newfoundland ). In Eurasia this fern is common in the wild; in North America it is endangered in the east and local in the west. It has also naturalized in New Zealand.
This Fern looks outstanding when massed in a woodland environment.
The elegant, lacy, triangular, semi-evergreen fronds, up to 60 x 12 inches, are light green at first, turning to deep green. The bipinnate fronds are composed of 16 to 30 pairs of lance-shaped pinnae, up to 8 inches in length, with lobed and toothed leaflets. The stems are brownish. In areas with long gentle autumns, the foliage turns bright yellow late in autumn.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in partial to full shade on moist to wet soil that is rich in humus. Tolerates some sun if planted on a wet site. It also tolerates poor soil and some drought. Easy to grow and often self sows.
* photos taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
Barnesii
A very slender, stiff upright Fern reaching up to 4 x 3 feet, with narrow deep green fronds up to 52 x 6 inches.
Crispatissima
A moderate growing, compact, upright Fern reaching up to 2 x 2 feet. The mid-green fronds are wavy edged.
Cristata Jackson
A fast growing, large clumping Fern reaching up to 4 feet in height.
The fronds have carved crests at the frond peak and leaflet tips.
Grandiceps ( Crested Male Fern )
A strong rapid grower, reaching up to 4 feet in height with very lacy, long arching fronds that are crested at the end. The leaflets are also crested at the tips.
Incisa
A massive vigorous cultivar, reaching up to 5 feet in height, with huge fronds, up to 16 inches across, with narrow leaflets..
Linearis Polydactyla ( Many Fingered Male Fern )
A moderate growing, deciduous to semi-evergreen Fern reaching up to 4 x 4 feet.
The fancy, very lacy, leathery, mid-green fronds have slender segments with long diverent crests. The foliage is mid-green.
Undulata Robusta ( Robust Male Fern )
Forms vigorous, full, semi-evergreen clumps up to 5 x 4 feet in size.
The arching lacy, green fronds have heavy waved pinnules.
Very easy to grow, it even has excellent drought tolerance.
It is excellent for naturalizing.
* photo taken on Oct 17 2013 in Olney, MD
Dryopteris formosensis
An evergreen Fern, reaching a maximum size of 3 x 3 feet, that is native to mountain woods of Japan, Taiwan and the Phillipines.
The fronds, up to 40 x 14 inches, are deep green.
Hardy zones 6 to 9.
Dryopteris fragrans ( Fragrant Wood Fern )
A small semi-evergreen Fern native to Alaska, most of Canada, Maine, Greenland and northern Ruddia on shaded limestone.
The fronds are up to 16 x 3 inches.
Hardy zones 2 to 5
Dryopteris goldiana ( Giant Wood Fern )
A very strong growing, very long lived, large Fern, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 6 feet, that may after time form large colonies up to 15 feet across. It is the largest Drypopteris Fern over much of its native range of cool, moist forests from Manitoba to New Brunswick; south to Minnesota to Alabama to northern Georgia. It looks great planted next to water.
The large coarse, leathery, scaly fronds, up to 60 x 18 inches, are yellowish at first, turning to glossy deep green. The bipinnate fronds are composed of 12 to 16 pairs of lance-shaped pinnae, up to 6 inches in length, with deeply cut and toothed leaflets. The slender stalks are tan color.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in partial to full shade on cool, moist, fertile soil.
Easy to grow.
* photo taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
Dryopteris hondoensis ( Hondo Wood Fern )
An evergreen Fern, reaching a maximum height of 2.5 feet, that is native to China, Korea and Japan.
The triangular bipinnate fronds, up to 28 x 8 inches, are bright green.
Hardy north to zone 4.
Dryopteris intermedia ( Fancy Wood Fern )
A very beautiful, strong growing, upright, semi-evergreen to evergreen Fern, reaching up to 3 x 4 feet, that is native to eastern North America, from Minnesota to Quebec to Newfoundland; south to Arkansas to North Carolina. It is often found in wetlands in the wild.
The double-pinnate, triangular fronds, up to 36 x 10 inches, are luxuriant mid-green.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in partial shade on neutral to acidic soil.
* photos taken on Aug 1 2011 in Luzerne Co., PA
* photos taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
Dryopteris lacera ( Leathery Wood Fern )
A very beautiful, semi-evergreen Fern native to mountain forests of China, Korea and Japan. It forms a clump reaching a maximum size of 3 x 3 feet.
The leathery, lance-shaped fronds, up to 24 x 8 inches, are verdant bright green.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 and thrives on well drained soil in the woodland understory.
Dryopteris lepidopoda ( Sunset Fern )
An evergreen fern, reaching up to 2 x 2 feet, that is native to mountain forests from northern India to China and Taiwan.
The fronds are bronzy-orange at first, turning to very glossy deep green.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 ( protected site in 5 ) in partial to full shade. It is moderately drought tolerant once established.
Dryopteris ludoviciana ( Southern Wood Fern )
An upright, semi-evergreen to evergreen Fern reaching a maximum height of 4.5 feet, that is native to swamps of the southeastern U.S. from Arkansas to North Carolina and south.
The leathery fronds, up to 48 x 12 inches, are luxuriant, very glossy deep green. The bipinnate fronds are composed of 10 to 15 pairs of lance-shaped pinnae, up to 8 inches in length, with deeply cut and lobed leaflets. The erect stalks are slender and beige.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 in partial to full shade on moist fertile soil. It is easy to grow, even outside its native range in places including parts of California. Tolerant of swampy conditions.
* photos taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
Drypopteris marginalis ( Marginal Shield Fern )
Also called Eastern Wood Fern. An attractive, vigorous, long lived, sturdy Fern reaching up to 4 x 6.5 ( rarely over 2.5 ) feet, that is native to forests and swamps of eastern North America ( from Minnesota to Newfoundland; south to Oklahoma to northern Georgia ). The Marginal Shield Fern is also native to the southern tip of Greenland. It looks great in a shaded rock garden.
The upright, leathery, evergreen fronds, up to 48 x 10 ( rarely over 30 x 8 ) inches, arising from the woody crown are glossy, deep blue-green above, lighter green beneath. The bipinnate fronds are composed of 14 to 22 pairs of lance-shaped pinnae, up to 6 inches in length, with deeply cut leaflets.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in partial to full shade preferring moist, light, fertile, well drained soil rich in humus. Heat, alkaline, clay soil and even drought tolerant. Easy to grow.
* photo taken on Aug 1 2011 in Luzerne Co., PA
* photo taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
Dryopteris x mickelii ( Mickels Wood Fern )
The rare hybrid between Dryopteris clintoniana & D. goldiana. It is a very vigorous Fern reaching up to 5 feet in height. One plant at the NY Botanic Gardens was 12 feet across with 200+ growing tips.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in partial to full shade. Easy to grow and tolerant of swampy conditions.
Dryopteris pseudo-filix-max ( Mexican Male Fern )
A rare, vigorous spectacular Fern, native to high mountain forests of Mexico and Guatemala, that can form an evergreen clump reaching up to 4 x 5 feet.
The erect fronds, reaching up to 48 x 10 inches, are glossy deep green. This Fern continues to produce new fronds throughout the entire growing season.
Surprisingly hardy considering its native range, north to zone 5. Easy to grow but does grow most vigorously in partial to full shade on moist, fertile, well drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established.
Dryopteris pseudomas
A beautiful robust, semi-evergreen Fern, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 3.3 feet.
It makes for a stunning landscape plant.
The large arching fronds are golden-green at first, later turning rich green.
The stems are scaly and golden.
Hardy zones 3 to 8. Tolerant of drier soil.
Cristata Angustata
A dwarf form only reaching up to 20 inches in height, with narrow fronds that are neatly created.
Drypoteris pycnopteroides ( Japanese Wood Fern )
An evergreen fern, reaching up to 2 x 2 feet, that is native to Japan.
The curved, erect fronds, up to 2 feet in length, are bright green at first, turning to glossy deep green.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 ( reports of 5 on protected sites ) in partial to full shade.
* photo taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
Dryopteris x remota ( Scaly Buckler Fern )
A strong growing, impressive, medium size, deciduous to evergreen Fern reaching up to 40 inches x 4 feet that is the hybrid between Dryopteris affinis & D. expansa.
This is a hybrid of European origin that is found in the wild in Ireland and from central Europe to western Asia.
The graceful, arching, broad horizontal fronds, up to 40 x 10 inches, are finely lacey dissected.
The fronds have a golden-yellow midrib.
It is good for colonizing a woodland understory and easily self sows.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in partial to full shade on moist, well drained soil.
Easy to grow.
Dryopteris sichotensis
A large, semi-evergreen Fern reaching a maximum height of 52 inches, that is native to northeastern Asia.
Hardy zones 4 to 8
Dryopteris sieboldii ( Siebolds Fern )
A tidy, exotic-looking, small evergreen Fern that is native to mountain forests of China and Japan.
The fronds, up to 30 x 20 ( rarely over 20 x 6 ) inches, have 3 to 5 pairs of undivided very leathery, lance-shaped pinnae, up to 10 x 3 inches. It is evergreen to 0 F. The foliage is deep green above, lighter green beneath.
Hardy zones 6 to 8 in partial to full shade on fertile, moist, acidic soil.
Dryopteris stewartii ( Stewarts Wood Fern )
A medium sized, semi-evergreen Fern reaching up to 4 feet, that is native to high mountain forests in the Himalayas from Afghanistan and Pakistan to northern India and Nepal.
The fronds are up to 40 x 14 inches.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
Dryopteris tokyoensis ( Tokyo Wood Fern )
A vigorous, slender, vase-shaped, deciduous Fern, forming a clump up to 3 x 3 feet, that is native to China, Korea and Japan. It usually takes 3 years to reach its full height of 3 feet. Can be used as a focal point in a shaded garden.
The erect, narrow fronds, up to 36 x 8 inches, are luxuriant mid-green.
The pinnate fronds are composed of long oblanceolate leaflets.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in partial to full shade. Very easy to grow.
Dryopteris uniformiis ( Uniform Wood Fern )
A deciduous fern, reaching up to 2.5 feet, that is native to lowland forests of eastern China, Korea and Japan.
The bipinnate, pointed oval fronds are up to 28 x 8 inches.
Hardy zones 5 to 8
Cristata ( Crested Uniform Wood Fern )
An erect, dense, deciduous Fern, reaching a maximum height of 2.5 feet with very beautiful, heavily crested fronds that are deep green.
Dryopteris wallichiana ( Wallichs Wood Fern )
A very graceful, massive, semi-evergreen Fern with upright triangular fronds up to 7 x 5 feet that are frilly and glossy black-green. The beautiful new fronds are often deep red at first. The stems are usually black. It is native from Mexico to Argentina as well as in southern Asia from Turkey eastwards to Indonesia.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in partial to full shade on moist soil that is rich in humus.
It thrives in the Pacific Northwest. It hates hot summers in the east but is ok in the Pocono Mountains. A winter mulch is recommended.
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