southern lady fern
Athyrium asplenioides
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Ascending
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Notes
Southern lady fern (Athyrium asplenioides) is a fern for shade gardens, woodland, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It grows 24 to 36 inches tall and wide at a moderate pace. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. The green fronds rise in an ascending form.
Pairs well with Little brown jug, Aureola Japanese forest grass, and Autumn fern.
Native range
Central and eastern United States.