Dryopteris expansa (Spreading Wood Fern)
Spiny Wood Fern, Spreading Wood Fern, Spreading Woodfern, Northern Wood Fern
Dryopteris expansa (Spreading Wood Fern) is a deciduous fern forming an upright tuft of finely divided, broad, triangular, dark green fronds from a scaly rhizome. Round and pale green, the sori are located on the underside of the leaflets. The erect or ascending rhizome often produces offshoots, which may be divided. Well-behaved and non-invasive, Spreading Wood Fern is an elegant species that is well suited to massing in a woodland garden where its fine-textured, lacy leaves can be admired.
- Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
- A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in humus-rich, moist well-drained soils.
- This plant is a great choice for shady beds and borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage gardens, or woodland gardens.
- Remove faded fronds regularly and divide plants when crowded.
- Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring
- Native to Asia, Europe, Japan, and North America.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
3 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Ferns |
| Plant Family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus | Dryopteris |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing |
18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Midwest, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, United States, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Tolerance | Full Shade |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
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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 |
3 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Ferns |
| Plant Family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus | Dryopteris |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing |
18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Midwest, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, United States, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Tolerance | Full Shade |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
