Dryopteris marginalis - Marginal Wood Fern

Sizes available: 2 quart

Basics: zone 4-9, 15-24" x 30", part to full shade, moderately acid to neutral damp woodland soils, but drought resistant once established.

Common names: Marginal Wood Fern, Eastern Leather Wood Fern, Marginal Shield Fern, Eastern Wood Fern

Family: Dryopteridaceae (Polypodiaceae)

Origin/Distribution: widely distributed in eastern North America, native to Maine

Habitat: stream edges, roadside ditches, rocky woodland slopes, in particular north-facing, old walls, talus slopes, woodland edge

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 for small mammals, toads, salamanders, and numerous insects. 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.

Dryopteris marginalis is good in a shady matrix of low-growing perennials and it will spread slowly to form a ground cover. It wants protection from wind. Has been used medicinally.

Source: Van Berkum

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons