intermediate wood fern
Dryopteris intermedia
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall1 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb , fern
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Not applicable
- Foliage color
- Brown/copper, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Intermediate wood fern (Dryopteris intermedia) is a fern for shade gardens, borders, and containers. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The evergreen fronds are lacy and vase shaped, and they can reach 10 inches long. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal. Size and color vary a lot from plant to plant.
Pairs well with Bloodroot, Toad lily, and Hinoki cypress.
Native range
Northeastern United States.