Athyrium filix-femina

Sizes available: 2 quart

Basics: zones 4-9, 24-36" x 24", part shade to shade, consistently moist woodland soils

Common names: Lady Fern

Family: Woodsiaceae

Origin/Distribution: native to Maine

Habitat: moist woodlands and damp shady edges

More: Why grow ferns besides your admiration for a plant that has been present on Earth for over 360 billion years? Ferns support wildlife by creating protective cover and shady, moist micro-habitats, in particular for small mammals and invertebrates. The fuzzy covering on emerging croziers is used by birds for nesting material. Ferns help prevent erosion and filter run-off. For the gardener they offer the gifts of graceful architecture and low-maintenance textural beauty. They are also rabbit, deer, and juglone resistant.

Nursery: Van Berkum

Photo credits: Frank Meuschke of Shelterwood Gardens; also Wikimedia Commons