wood fern
Dryopteris crassirhizoma
RHS AGM 2012
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles partial shade to full shade
WaterNeeds moderate soil
Size2 to 3.5 feet tall24 inches wide
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
Notes
Wood fern (Dryopteris crassirhizoma) is a fern for shade gardens, woodland borders, and mass plantings. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes part to full shade and average moisture. It is a non-flowering plant that grows 24 to 42 inches tall and about 24 inches wide. Rabbits tend to pass it by. Plant it where its upright fronds have room to spread.
Pairs well with Bergenia, Chinese ground orchid, and Green Mountain buxus.
Native range
Africa, Guinea, and Ivory Coast.