alpine wood fern
Dryopteris wallichiana
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones6 to 9
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size4 to 5 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb , fern
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Alpine wood fern (Dryopteris wallichiana) is a fern for shade gardens, woodland settings, borders, and low maintenance beds. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to wet soil of most types. It grows 48 to 60 inches tall and 24 to 36 inches wide. It is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, though hungry ones will eat almost anything. The green fronds add a bold accent as the plant matures at a moderate pace.
Pairs well with Jack in the pulpit, Lungwort, and Japanese forest grass.
Native range
Africa, Guinea, and Ivory Coast.