Dryopteris

( dry - OP - ter - iss )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Wood Fern, this genus includes species that need partial to full shade and regular water to perform well in the landscape. Dryopteris is one of the largest genus of ferns and contains over 100 species with a cosmopolitan disposition. They are wonderful for shaded and woodland-style gardens, and contrast well with other foliage. Use Wood Ferns to create structural, vase-shaped forms in shady borders or simply as groundcover plants. Take care when planting these ferns in the landscape, as some species produce underground roots that are highly poisonous to humans and pets if ingested.

Dryopteris Species and Varietals

The genus Dryopteris is the type member of the plant family Dryopteridaceae and includes 328 distinct species. The best growing zones for Dryopteris vary depending on the species. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Dryopteris aemula (Aspidium aemulum, Lastrea aemula, Nephrodium aemulum) (Hay-Scented Buckler-Fern, Hay-Scented Fern)
These ferns are commonly named for their unique, sweet, coumarin-like fragrance of newly mown hay, particularly when fronds are dried. They grow from rhizome roots and produce green fronds to 2 feet long. Individual plants are typically between 1 and 2.5 feet tall at maturity.

Dryopteris affinis (Golden Male Fern, Scaly Male Fern, Golden-Scented Male Fern)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 3b-9 and 14-24, and is native to Europe and southwestern Asia. It is a semi-evergreen species that reaches 3-5 feet tall and just as wide. Fronds are finely cut are chartreuse when new, maturing to dark green. Varieties include 'Cristata' (also called 'Cristata The King', a more compact fern with 3-foot arching fronds that have crested tips), and 'Crispa Gracilis' (with evergreen fronds, this variety reaches just 6-12 inches tall).

Dryopteris carthusiana (Dryopteris spinulosa) (Narrow Buckler Fern, Shield Fern, Spinulose Wood Fern)
This species is deciduous and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones A2, 1-9, and 14-17 and is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Clumps reach 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide, with coarsely cut, yellow-green fronds. Shaggy black scales cover the undersides of fronds on the lower part of the midrib. This fern can tolerate boggy conditions.

Dryopteris x complexa (Dryopteris filix-mas 'Undulata Robusta')
This species is semi-evergreen and does well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 and Sunset growing zones 3b-9 and 14-17. Individual plants produce up to 3-4 foot long dark green, deeply lobed fronds with undulating edges. Vigorous fern that is easy to grow. 'Robust' is a commonly grown cultivar.

Dryopteris dilatata (Dryopteris austriaca) (Broad Buckler Fern, Broad Wood Fern)
This species is usually deciduous and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 2-7 and 14-17. It is native to western and central Europe, and grows quickly to 3-4 feet tall and just as wide. Fronds are triangular, and stalks and midribs are covered in brown scales. Varieties include 'Lepidota Cristata' (to 2 feet tall with narrower fronds) and 'Crispa Whiteside' (with wavy, golden-green leaves).

Dryopteris erythrosora (Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern, Japanese Wood Fern, Copper Shield Fern)
This semi-evergreen species is native to China and Japan, and has an erect habit to 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. It has seasonal color variation, emerging copper, pink, and yellow in spring, maturing to green, and turning rusty brown in fall. Spores are bright red and are an attractive wintertime sight. Variety 'Brilliance' has bright copper-red new growth.

Dryopteris filix-mas (Male Fern)
This species is normally evergreen, though is sometimes deciduous (this depends on the climate it is grown in). It is best in USDA hardiness zones 4-11 zones 2-9 and 14-17 and is native to many areas in the Northern Hemisphere. It reaches 2-5 feet tall and wide, with finely cut, medium-green fronds that reach a foot wide. Can tolerate drought if grown in full shade. Varieties include 'Linearis Polydactyla' (2.5 feet tall, easy to grow, and spreading fingerlike frond tips), and 'Crispa Cristata' (with splitting, twisting fronds that give the plant a frilly look).

Dryopteris wallichiana (Wallich's Wood Fern)
This semi-evergreen species does well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 4-6, 14-17 and H1, and is native to India and China. It reaches 3-5 feet tall and a little less wide. New fronds are golden-green and turn dark green as they mature. Stems are brown with shiny black scales. This species is slow-growing.

Caring for Dryopteris

Take care when planting these ferns in the landscape, as some species produce underground roots that are highly poisonous to humans and pets if ingested. Dryopteris, or Wood Ferns, are considered easy to care for and low-maintenance as long as their growing conditions are met. Plant in an area that is in full to partial shade, ensuring that during the warmest hours of the day (typically between 2 and 3 PM) that they are not in direct sunlight. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 (acidic). Their ideal substrate is one that is loamy and sandy with plenty of humus. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention.

Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, consistent waterings are key to prevent them from drying out, which will cause them to become brown and wilted. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning can be done after new growth has appeared; dead and dying areas should be left on the plant until spring because they actually mulch and protect the emerging growth. If these ferns are grown in a cramped space like a narrow border or container, they will need to be divided every few years for best results. For instructions on how to successfully divide your Lady Fern, see the propagation section below. Grow in soil that is rich soil amended with plenty of organic material. They can tolerate dry conditions as long as they're in the shade. These ferns are great choices for beginner fern gardeners. Dryopteris ferns are long-lived, hardy perennials that typically last for several decades in the landscape before needing to be replaced if cared for properly.

Propagation

Dryopteris ferns are best propagated via division. This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost, and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall (after the plant has entered dormancy but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Gather your materials. Using a shovel, dig up your existing fern. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your gloved fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your fern into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided ferns in soil at the same height as they were previously, and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch around the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it grow.