golden male fern
Dryopteris affinis
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones6 to 8
SunHandles full sun or partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size3 to 4 feet tall3 to 4 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Foliage color
- Brown/copper, gold/yellow, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Golden male fern (Dryopteris affinis) is a fern for shade gardens, woodland settings, borders, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet soil of most types. The arching fronds open gold and copper, then turn green. Deer and rabbits tend to browse other plants first. It also tolerates drought once settled in.
Pairs well with Jack in the pulpit, Foam flower, and Japanese forest grass.
Native range
Africa, Guinea, and Ivory Coast.