woodfern
Dryopteris australis
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size4 to 5 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
Garden uses
Notes
Woodfern (Dryopteris australis) is a fern for borders, shade gardens, woodland settings, and winter interest. 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 wet, loamy or clay soil. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal. The fronds are partly evergreen, while the fertile parts drop in winter. It can also reproduce a little by spores.
Pairs well with Lady fern, Christmas fern, Solomon's seal, and Aureola Japanese forest grass.
Native range
Southeastern United States.