southern shield fern
Thelypteris kunthii
USDA zones7 to 10
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall2 to 4 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Not applicable
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Southern shield fern (Thelypteris kunthii) is a fern for shade gardens, woodland plantings, and ground cover. It is hardy to USDA zone 7, or down to 0°F (-18°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Its arching, lime to medium-green fronds grow 2 to 3 feet high and take on a bronze cast as winter approaches. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. The fronds add texture to the garden through the year.
Pairs well with Foam flower, Subarctic ladyfern, Jack in the pulpit, and Florida anise tree.
Native range
AL, AR, FL, GA, and 4 more places. See all 8
AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, SC, and TX.