Alphabetical Plant Listing

Dryopteris cycadina (Shaggy Wood Fern)

Shaggy Wood Fern, Shaggy Shield Fern, Wood Fern, Black Wood Fern, Dryopteris atrata, Dryopteris hirtipes


Award-winning Dryopteris cycadina (Shaggy Wood Fern) is a graceful semi-evergreen fern forming a neat rosette of lance-shaped, divided, bright green fronds. Arising in shuttlecock-like clusters from a short creeping rhizome, the fronds are simply pinnate and covered with 20-30 pairs of narrow lance-shaped pinnae. The stipes are covered with dark scales that are particularly showy on young fronds. Growing as a perfect fountain of fronds, Shaggy Wood Fern adds beauty and interest to the landscape. The contrast of its bright green blades and black stipes turns it into a showstopper. Evergreen in mild winter climates.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Grows up to 18-36 in. tall and wide (45-90 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade or full shade in fertile, moist, and well-drained soils. Will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well. Protect from strong winds to prevent damage to the fronds.
  • This plant is a great choice for shady beds and borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage gardens, woodland gardens, rock gardens, and containers.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • Remove faded fronds regularly and divide plants when crowded.
  • Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring
  • Native to China and Japan.

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Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 9
Heat Zones 6 – 9
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Dryopteris - Ferns
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spacing 18" – 36" (45cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage

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By Hanjo Hellmann, Peter Turner Photography, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 9
Heat Zones 6 – 9
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Dryopteris - Ferns
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spacing 18" – 36" (45cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage

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