southern wood fern
Dryopteris ludoviciana
USDA zones6 to 10
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Not applicable
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Southern wood fern (Dryopteris ludoviciana) is a fern for shade gardens, woodland settings, ground cover, and rain gardens. 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 slowly but can reach 4 feet high and as wide, and it handles hot, humid summers when moisture is steady. Deer rarely make it their first choice. Give it room to spread over time.
Pairs well with Lady fern, Little brown jug, White bigleaf hydrangea, and Japanese forest grass.
Native range
AL, AR, FL, GA, and 5 more places. See all 9
AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, and TX.